Leapmotor and Stellantis are gearing up to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in India, joining a growing list of automakers targeting the country’s burgeoning EV market.
Details about their collaborative effort were unveiled, shedding light on the eSUV C16. Both companies have filed for a sales license with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), indicating their intentions to sell EVs not only in China but also globally.
India’s EV market has gained prominence following the introduction of a new electric vehicle policy, which aims to facilitate the import of EVs into the country, making it more appealing to companies looking to enter this market.
Since the policy’s enactment, major automakers such as Tesla and Hyundai have announced plans to invest in India. Reports suggest that Tesla’s Giga Berlin facility has commenced production of right-hand-drive vehicles specifically for the Indian market. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia have revealed plans to manufacture batteries in India, further solidifying their commitment to the region.
Despite the promising prospects, Leapmotor and Stellantis might encounter challenges as they venture into the Indian market, particularly due to India’s cautious approach towards investments from China. This wariness is not unique to India, as evidenced by the European Commission’s ongoing anti-subsidy probe into electric vehicle imports from China, reflecting broader global concerns.
