NEW DELHI: US electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla has initiated hiring in India, marking a significant step towards its much-anticipated entry into the country’s car market. The recruitment drive follows CEO Elon Musk’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States.
According to job listings on LinkedIn and Tesla’s website, the company has posted at least 13 job openings in India.
These roles, spanning Mumbai and Delhi, include service technicians, service advisors, customer engagement managers, business operations analysts, delivery operations specialists, and store managers. The listings indicate Tesla’s interest in establishing a foothold in India, despite previous roadblocks.
Tesla has been exploring opportunities in India for years but has hesitated due to high import duties. In an effort to attract global EV manufacturers, the Indian government introduced a new policy in March 2024, significantly reducing import duties on completely built-up (CBU) electric cars with a minimum cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of USD 35,000.
Under this policy, these vehicles can now be imported at a reduced duty of 15 per cent for five years. Previously, CBU vehicles priced above USD 40,000 faced a 100 per cent duty, while those below USD 40,000 were taxed at 70 per cent.
The incentive applies to companies committing a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore (USD 500 million) to establish manufacturing facilities in India.
The policy was widely seen as a green light for Tesla’s entry, with reports suggesting the company was considering a USD 2–3 billion EV manufacturing plant in the country.
However, Tesla’s progress in India stalled in April 2024 when Musk abruptly postponed his planned visit, citing “very heavy Tesla obligations.” The trip was expected to include discussions with Indian officials regarding the company’s market entry and potential manufacturing plans.
Shortly after, Tesla announced it would prioritise scaling production at its existing facilities rather than investing in new ones.
An advisor representing Tesla, The Asia Group (TAG), had previously attended a stakeholders' meeting on the new EV policy alongside representatives from major global and Indian manufacturers, including VinFast, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.
Musk has long expressed interest in the Indian market but has repeatedly emphasised the need for favourable import policies. In 2022, he stated that Tesla would not establish manufacturing in India unless it was first allowed to sell and service its vehicles in the country.
In August 2021, he had remarked, “Tesla may set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeds with imported vehicles in the country.” He also pointed out that “import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!” Currently, CBUs attract customs duties ranging from 70 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on engine size and CIF value.
While Tesla’s latest hiring spree does not confirm an imminent market launch, it has rekindled hopes among Indian EV enthusiasts and industry watchers.
The company’s engagement with the Indian government and its job postings suggest that Tesla may finally be laying the groundwork for its long-awaited entry.
(With inputs from PTI)