UNION Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said he has asked US-based Tesla several times to manufacture its iconic electric vehicles in India, while assuring that all support will be provided by the Government to the company. Addressing ‘India Today Conclave 2021’, Gadkari further said electric cars manufactured by Tata Motors are not less good than electric cars manufactured by Tesla. “I have told Tesla that don’t sell electric cars in India which your company has manufactured in China. You should manufacture electric cars in India, and also export cars from India,” he said. Tesla has demanded reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India.

“Whatever support you (Tesla) want, will be provided by our Government,” Gadkari added.

The Government intends to have EV sales penetration of 30 per cent for private cars, 70 per cent for commercial vehicles and 80 per cent for two and three-wheelers by 2030 as there is an immediate need to decarbonize the transport sector Gadkari said.