Tesla to Refund Early India Bookings, India Entry Seems Imminent

Tesla is finally giving some clarity to Indian customers who eagerly reserved their Model 3s years ago. The company is refunding those early bookings, sending emails to customers who signed up back in 2016.

The news comes as a big hint that Tesla is getting ready to launch in India very soon. In the emails, Tesla explains that they’re discontinuing the older generation of the Model 3, which is why the refunds are happening now. They assure customers they’ll reach out again when they’re ready to launch in India and start delivering cars.

This move comes after years of speculation and delays. Tesla has been facing stiff import duties in India, making it difficult to sell their cars at competitive prices.

Things might be changing, though. Elon Musk himself recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he’ll be visiting India later this year. This visit coincides with India’s ongoing trade negotiations with the US, which could potentially lead to lower tariffs on automobiles.

Lower tariffs would be a major win for Tesla, as they’ve been struggling with declining sales globally. BYD, a Chinese electric car maker, has been giving them a run for their money.

For India, Tesla’s arrival would be a big deal. It would cater to the growing number of affluent Indians who are looking for high-end electric vehicles. However, it also raises concerns about the impact on domestic car manufacturers, who employ thousands of people in India’s auto industry.