A tweet by the CEO of Tesla Elon Musk on the Government of India’s ambitious plan on the electric car front has set off an interesting conversation on micro-blogging site.
“India commits to sell only electric cars by 2030. It is already the largest market for solar,” tweeted Mr. Musk.
This has elicited a quick reaction from Anand Mahindra, executive chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra group. He tweeted saying, “Time you got out here Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra do you?? The more the merrier -- and greener.” The Centre has said that India will only have electric cars run on its roads by 2030. The Mahindras are the only carmaker in India to sell electric vehicles, with the e2O and the e-Verito. Mahindra Electric has already invested ₹6 billion in electric vehicles.
It now makes 2,000 electric cars annually and had sold 1,100 cars last year. The output is expected to go up to 5,000 by 2018.
Tesla has been keen to enter India, but inhibiting factors have forced it to wait and watch. Is the Indian environment ready for Tesla? Mr. Mahindra has certainly rolled out a challenge.
Last week, Mr. Musk had voiced his protest against President Trump’s move to pull the U.S. out of the historic Paris climate pact.
