India finalises new EV scheme, offers import tax cuts for local production –

Government has notified the guidelines for a scheme to promote the manufacturing of electric passenger cars in the country, Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy today informed this while briefing the media in New Delhi. The Minister said that India is offering a low import tax, which is 15 per cent on electric cars worth at least 35 thousand dollars, to attract big international car brands. He added that this benefit is only available if the companies agree to invest and manufacture electric vehicles in the country. Mr. Kumaraswamy said that approved applicants would be required to make a minimum investment of 4 thousand 150 crore rupees in line with the provisions of the scheme. The Minister said that until now, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Hyundai and Skoda have shown interest in the scheme. On Tesla, the minister said that Tesla has only shown interest in opening showrooms in the country.