Global Carmakers Eye India for EV Manufacturing Push

03 Jun 2025 CW Team

This renewed enthusiasm follows the formal issuance of guidelines for the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India,” first announced in March 2024. The application window for the scheme is set to open shortly, enabling eligible manufacturers to submit formal investment proposals.

Under the scheme, approved manufacturers will be permitted to import completely built units (CBUs) of electric four-wheelers with a minimum CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value of USD 35,000 at a reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for a period of five years. Each approved applicant must commit to a minimum investment of Rs41.5 billion, with the total import duty benefit capped at the lower of Rs64.84 billion or the applicant's total investment.

Import quotas under the scheme will allow a maximum of 8,000 vehicles per year at the reduced duty rate, with provisions for carrying forward unused annual quotas.

While global manufacturers are keen to invest in setting up EV production lines in India, Tesla has declined to participate. According to Minister Kumaraswamy, the Elon Musk-led company has shown interest only in opening showrooms rather than manufacturing facilities in the country. “Tesla was involved in the initial stakeholder discussions but did not attend subsequent meetings,” the minister stated.

Tesla’s approach aligns with its earlier caution, as the company has raised concerns over import tariffs. Elon Musk had also postponed a planned visit to India in April 2024, citing scheduling conflicts. In contrast, his father, Errol Musk, arrived in India on 1 June for a personal and business visit, which included a stop at the Ayodhya Ram temple.

The Indian government hopes the scheme will position the country as a leading EV manufacturing destination, attract major foreign investment, and boost domestic employment while advancing the goals of the “Make in India” and green mobility initiatives.

Several global automotive giants, including Mercedes Benz, Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia, have expressed strong interest in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in India under the Government’s recently detailed incentive scheme. Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing.This renewed enthusiasm follows the formal issuance of guidelines for the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India,” first announced in March 2024. The application window for the scheme is set to open shortly, enabling eligible manufacturers to submit formal investment proposals.Under the scheme, approved manufacturers will be permitted to import completely built units (CBUs) of electric four-wheelers with a minimum CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value of USD 35,000 at a reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for a period of five years. Each approved applicant must commit to a minimum investment of Rs41.5 billion, with the total import duty benefit capped at the lower of Rs64.84 billion or the applicant's total investment.Import quotas under the scheme will allow a maximum of 8,000 vehicles per year at the reduced duty rate, with provisions for carrying forward unused annual quotas.While global manufacturers are keen to invest in setting up EV production lines in India, Tesla has declined to participate. According to Minister Kumaraswamy, the Elon Musk-led company has shown interest only in opening showrooms rather than manufacturing facilities in the country. “Tesla was involved in the initial stakeholder discussions but did not attend subsequent meetings,” the minister stated.Tesla’s approach aligns with its earlier caution, as the company has raised concerns over import tariffs. Elon Musk had also postponed a planned visit to India in April 2024, citing scheduling conflicts. In contrast, his father, Errol Musk, arrived in India on 1 June for a personal and business visit, which included a stop at the Ayodhya Ram temple.The Indian government hopes the scheme will position the country as a leading EV manufacturing destination, attract major foreign investment, and boost domestic employment while advancing the goals of the “Make in India” and green mobility initiatives.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..