New Delhi: Tesla, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, appears to be making significant progress toward its much-anticipated entry into the Indian market. The latest development comes in the form of a series of job postings on LinkedIn, indicating that the company is gearing up for operations in the country.
This move follows a recent meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s visit to the United States. The discussion is believed to have paved the way for Tesla’s India debut, marking a milestone in the nation’s electric mobility landscape.
Tesla’s Hiring Push in India
As of now, Tesla has posted 13 job openings across different roles, signaling a full-fledged operational setup. The majority of these roles are based in Mumbai and Delhi, reflecting the company’s initial focus on India’s key metropolitan hubs. Some of the prominent roles Tesla is hiring for include:
- Inside Sales Advisor
- Customer Support Supervisor
- Customer Support Specialist
- Service Advisor
- Order Operations Specialist
- Service Manager
- Tesla Advisor
- Parts Advisor
- Business Operations Analyst
- Store Manager
- Service Technician
- Customer Engagement Manager
- Delivery Operations Specialist
Out of these, positions such as Customer Engagement Manager and Delivery Operations Specialist are exclusively available in Mumbai. This suggests that Tesla’s initial customer interactions and delivery logistics will be centered in the city.
Challenges and Policy Changes Fueling Tesla’s Entry
Tesla’s ambitions to enter India have been in the pipeline for several years. However, the company had previously held back its plans due to the country’s high import duties, which could go up to 110% on foreign-manufactured cars. These duties made Tesla’s premium EVs significantly more expensive for Indian buyers.
In an effort to attract global players in the EV sector, the Indian government recently reduced customs duties from 110% to 70% on imported cars valued above $40,000. This policy shift is expected to encourage not just Tesla but other international EV manufacturers to enter the Indian market. Additionally, India’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 aligns with Tesla’s mission of promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Cybercab and Future Production Plans
In a separate development, Tesla recently introduced its latest innovation—the Cybercab, an autonomous EV designed for urban transportation. The company has announced plans for mass production starting in 2026. With Tesla now actively recruiting in India, it remains to be seen whether such models could also be part of its future offerings in the Indian market.
The Road Ahead
Tesla’s Indian debut could significantly alter the landscape of the country’s EV sector, intensifying competition with established players like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and foreign competitors such as BYD. With the demand for electric vehicles on the rise and the Indian government’s push for clean energy solutions, Tesla’s entry is expected to bolster the country’s transition to sustainable mobility.
As Tesla takes concrete steps towards its Indian launch, industry experts and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how the company shapes the future of EV adoption in one of the world’s largest automobile markets.
