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Tesla is expected to join Reliance Industries to set up its operations in India. The US electric vehicles major is in talks with Reliance Industries for a possible joint venture to build the manufacturing facility in the country.
Tesla and Reliance to set up EV manufacturing arm - key statements
“Talks are at initial stages and have been ongoing for over a month,” said a person aware of the development. The source said the move shouldn’t be construed as RIL’s entry into the automobile space. RIL’s objective in the joint venture is to build capacities for electric vehicles in India.
“While the role of RIL hasn’t been crystalised yet, it is expected that the Indian conglomerate may play a significant hand in establishing the manufacturing facility and the allied ecosystem for Tesla in India,” said another highly placed source with knowledge of the matter. In 2023, RIL, in partnership with Ashok Leyland, launched India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered heavy-duty truck. RIL also unveiled removable and swappable batteries for EVs last year. Tesla is planning to invest $2 billion in its upcoming plans in India. The company has been looking at multiple locations, including Gujarat and Maharashtra, for setting up the plant. Sources said that Maharashtra could emerge as the preferred location.
“Tesla plans to use the facility for domestic and export purposes, and hence, it may prefer a location suitable for port facilities,” said a source quoted above. As per the Nicolai Tangen, CEO, Norges Bank Investment Management, Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla said: “India is now the most populous country in the world, based on population. India should have electric cars just like every other country has electric cars. It’s a natural progression to provide Tesla electric vehicles in India,” thereby confirming Tesla’s entry into India. Apart from Tesla, the MG Motor India also planning to reveal its a new model every 3-6 months starting from the festive season later this year.
The leaked image showcased a split headlamp setup, turn indicators integrated with the LED DRLs, charging port on the left front fender, multi-spoke alloy wheels, front door-mounted ORVMs, flush-fitting door handles, integrated spoiler, LED taillights, and rear bumper with a number plate recess. Inside, the new car from MG is expected to get a large, freestanding touchscreen unit, fully digital driver display, three-spoke steering wheels with integrated controls, horizontally stacked AC vents, manual IRVM, and rear AC vents. MG’s Cloud EV-based offering for India is expected to be propelled by a 50.6kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor that returns a claimed range of 505km on a single full charge.
