Tesla Model 3 India launch could be delayed due to the to the localised component sourcing issue; the electric sedan is expected to cost around Rs. 50 lakh when it arrives here
Tesla announced its possible entry to Indian market with the Model 3 within by 2018. But as it seems, the launch could get delayed as the company doesn’t see sufficient component supply in the country that will create localisation issue for the brand. Answering a question of an Indian enthusiast, Tesla CEO has hinted that the brand’s launch in the country could be delayed.
Elon Musk says the brand needs at least 30% parts for its cars to be locally sourced, but the local supply doesn’t yet exist here. Infrastructure for Tesla vehicles is also another problem, which the buyers would face, as the country doesn’t have sufficient infrastructure to support electric mobility.
Also read: India-Bound Tesla Model 3 Won’t Get Any Instrument Cluster or HUD
Tesla Model 3 compact sedan could be a trendsetter product in the domestic market considering the government India’s vision to introduce electric mobility across the entire nation by next one and half decade. Tesla’s most affordable product till date, the Model 3 is also going to be a product for the American EV maker to test the market here.
If the Model 3 compact sedan gets desired success here, then Tesla could set up a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant (Gigafactory) in the country that would serve as a global hub for the brand. Interestingly, Tesla has received quite a few bookings for the car from the Indian buyers.
Also read: 20+ Expected Upcoming Cars at 2018 Auto Expo
Speaking about the Tesla Model 3, it will be a much more affordable version of the Model S with minimal features and less power and range. The India-bound model will be powered by a 60 kWh battery pack combined with an electric motor making the car capable of running 346 kilometer on a single charge. There is a more powerful variant as well that is capable of running 482.8 kilometer. With the import duties and all taxes, the Tesla Model 3 could be priced at around Rs. 50 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
Tesla Model 3 Gallery
Source: Twitter