Will Tesla come to India in 2018? Looks doubtful
What's the story
Once upon a time, there was excitement in India about Tesla arriving in the country, but several reports since have bashed such hopes. The list of challenges Tesla faces here keeps getting longer: The Quint now reports how producing and maintaining necessary components for its electric vehicles (EVs) in India is just a dream for now. Will the wait really be "long and arduous"?
India
Tesla's on-off relationship with India
Back in 2015, CEO Elon Musk had suggested that Tesla might set up a "Gigafactory" in India to make batteries. Reports said Model 3 could be launched in India by 2016-17. This May, Musk said Tesla's India launch plans are on hold due to manufacturing and implementation challenges. Four months later, he had begun talks with the government to bring its EVs to India.
Battery
India's climate might just play spoilsport in the Tesla plans
But can India handle Tesla's EVs? According to a source, Tesla's EVs use batteries made of nickel, cobalt and aluminum (NCA). In fact, it has already patented an NCA-packed battery for its EVs; these batteries start underperforming at around 50 degrees Celsius. In India, battery temperature during peak summer can go up to 75 degrees Celsius air temperature or 80-85 degree Celsius road temperature.
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India's infrastructural preparedness is also at a low
Then there's the question of charging the EVs. Tesla has high-speed 440V chargers which charge its vehicles fully in 35-60 minutes. With India's existing capacity, it will take two-four days to charge them.
Status
Will Tesla's talks with the government bear fruit?
For now, Tesla's India manufacturing problems have taken a backseat. Months after tweeting about India's high import duties and sourcing requirements, Musk began talks with the government for the single-brand retail route. As the government pushes for EVs, there is likelihood manufacturing challenges can be sorted out through proper discussions. But how will Tesla overcome challenges in after-sales service and establishing support infrastructure?