Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Version Spotted In India [Video]
News of Tesla's proposed India entry has been around for more than a year. With the winds in its favour, Elon Musk's electric car company is finally nearing the start of its India operations. It recently posted job openings in Mumbai and Delhi. Details of dealership plans have also surfaced. We have also been spotting Tesla test cars on public roads. A recent sighting shows a Model 3 dual motor version wearing Karnataka (KA) plates at a charging station in India.
Tesla Model 3 AWD (Pre-Facelift) Spotted In India
The video, filmed by Kurt Morris, shows a White Model 3, plugged in at a charging station. It seems to have the CCS2 connector, which confirms it to be a European spec model. Teslas for Europe feature CCS2 (Combined Charging System) ports while the U.S.-spec comes with NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports.
The video also has a sneak peek at the car's interior. It confirms it to be a right-hand drive (RHD) unit, and thus a European-spec. Tesla plans to import its products as Completely Built Units (CBUs) from its Berlin plan. It has sought import tax relaxation, and the Indian government is working towards realising the same.
Another interesting finding is that the vehicle here is a pre-facelift car, and not the one that's on sale in the U.S. now. It remains to be seen if Tesla will bring both the facelift and pre-facelift to India. The presence of a rear e-axle further confirms it to be an AWD model (dual motor version).
Tesla reportedly has plans to introduce an affordable electric car in the Indian market, and we also know that the Model 3 will be brought in. It, however, remains to be seen if it is the Model 3 that would be brought as the 'affordable Tesla for India'. Globally, it is the most affordable Tesla.
However, if brought to India, it will not likely have a competitive edge in pricing, especially with better-packaged EVs like the Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 around. Even with the lowest possible import duties, the Model 3 could have a starting (ex-showroom) price of around 30 lakh rupees.
The dual motor version- Long Range AWD- could likely have an ex-showroom price of a little over 35 lakh. In a previous article, we explained the math behind this.
Tesla's Product Plans For India:
Rumours suggest the possibility of Tesla readying a budget EV for India, which could cost around 21 lakh rupees when launched. While it could sound luring to many, the '21 lakh Tesla' is likely to remain a mere rumour. The most recent developments suggest that Tesla would mostly not launch such an EV. The Model 2 project has already been shelved, and resources have been reallocated.
The Model Y is expected to be the carmaker's first launch in India. For the uninformed, it is the crossover version of Model 3. Tesla hasn't yet revealed further details of its product offensive for India or plans of setting up a manufacturing plant here.
Tesla's India Stint: What Could It Be Like?
The Elon Musk-owned car company will face severe competition in the Indian market. The EV landscape here is fast-evolving, and Indian manufacturers like Mahindra are getting incredibly better at making electric vehicles.
Courtesy of their heavy localisation and strong supply chains, Mahindra SUVs are priced aggressively. Tata Motors too is aggressive with its EV plans and portfolio. Beating them on pricing grounds is going to be tricky for Tesla.
Another challenge for the American EV juggernaut would be the value-conscious nature of the Indian buyer. Tesla or otherwise, Indians seek value in their purchase. It would be tough for the carmaker to make a fortune by 'selling the brand' here. Sooner or later, it will have to yield and launch well-packaged products at competitive prices.
The Tesla-BYD fight will intensify in the Indian context as well. BYD already has an array of value for money products on sale in the premium and luxury EV spaces. These will give the upcoming Teslas strong competition.