Tesla to Start Hiring in India, Plans Affordable EV Launch Following PM Modi’s US Visit

In a major step towards entering the Indian market, Tesla Inc. has begun hiring in India, posting job openings for 13 key positions across different roles. This move indicates that the electric vehicle (EV) giant is gearing up for its long-anticipated launch in the country.

The recruitment drive includes roles in both customer engagement and operational departments, signaling that Tesla is preparing to establish its sales and service network.

Key Job Openings and Locations

Tesla has listed at least five major roles, including:

• Service technicians

• Advisory positions

• Customer engagement managers

• Delivery operations specialists

While positions such as service technicians and advisors are open in both Mumbai and Delhi, other roles, including customer engagement managers, are currently limited to Mumbai. This suggests that Tesla is prioritizing major metropolitan areas for its initial operations.

Retail Expansion: Showroom Locations in Key Cities

Tesla’s hiring spree comes amid reports that the company is actively scouting for showroom locations in India’s top-tier cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. Sources indicate that Tesla is evaluating potential sites to establish a strong retail presence before launching sales in the country.

Musk-Modi Meeting Sparks Tesla Expansion Speculation

Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., where they discussed:

• Mobility solutions and EV adoption

• Technological advancements

• Space and energy collaboration

• Tesla’s entry and expansion in India

This high-profile meeting has further fueled speculation that Tesla is accelerating its India launch plans.

Starlink’s India Entry Could Also Be on the Horizon

Reports also suggest that Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet venture, may have been part of the discussions. If Starlink enters India, it could revolutionize internet access in rural areas, complementing Tesla’s plans for sustainable and smart mobility.

Policy Reforms Pave the Way for Tesla’s India Entry

Tesla’s India plans have been in the works for years, with the company lobbying for lower import duties and incentives to make EVs more affordable. Recent policy changes indicate that the Indian government is keen on attracting global automakers.

Key policy updates that could benefit Tesla include:

• Lower import duties on high-end vehicles priced above $40,000, reduced from 125% to 70%.

• Scrapping of basic customs duties on lithium-ion batteries, cutting down EV production costs and encouraging local manufacturing.

These policy revisions align with India’s push for EV adoption, making it a more attractive market for Tesla’s expansion.

Tesla’s Affordable EV Plans for India

Currently, Tesla’s cheapest EV in the U.S., the Model 3, is priced at approximately $30,000. However, reports suggest that Tesla plans to launch a sub-$25,000 EV in the U.S. by June 2025, and this model is likely to be the first Tesla car introduced in India.

This move could be a game-changer for India’s EV market, as it would:

• Make Tesla more accessible to Indian consumers

• Increase competition in the affordable EV segment

• Encourage further investment in EV infrastructure

Tesla’s Indian Entry Finally Taking Shape

With hiring underway, showroom scouting in progress, and favorable policy changes, Tesla’s long-awaited entry into India appears closer than ever. The introduction of a low-cost EV could redefine India’s electric mobility landscape, offering consumers a premium yet affordable alternative in the growing EV segment.

Conclusion

Tesla's move to begin hiring in India marks a significant step toward its long-awaited entry into one of the world's fastest-growing EV markets. With 13 job openings across key roles and ongoing efforts to establish showrooms in major cities, the company is laying the groundwork for its retail operations.

The recent meeting between Elon Musk and PM Modi has further strengthened speculation about Tesla’s expansion plans, with potential discussions around Starlink’s India entry as well. Additionally, India’s policy reforms—including lower import duties on high-end vehicles and exemptions on lithium-ion battery tariffs—have created a more favorable environment for global automakers like Tesla.