Tesla takes another step closer to its launch in India later in the year 2021. Tesla, the US electric car manufacturing giant has registered as company in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has welcomed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to India and the state. CM took on to Twitter to announce that Musk’s Tesla has set up its R&D unit in Bengaluru. Mr. Yediyurappa tweeted, “Karnataka will lead India’s journey towards Green Mobility. Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Tesla will soon start its operations in India with an R&D unit in Bengaluru. I welcome Elon Musk to India and Karnataka and wish him all the very best.”

Tesla Motors India and Energy Private Limited was incorporated on January 8, with Bengaluru having its registered office. The US company is also in talks with at least five state governments to set up its operations in India. The states currently in talks with Tesla are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

The regulatory filing done shows Indian unit having three directors which includes David Feinstein, who is at present a senior executive at Tesla. 

Last month Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s entry in India and launch in 2021 through his tweet, “Next for sure” in response to a T-shirt quote that read “India wants Tesla”. 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari too has confirmed Tesla’s launch in India. In December he had said that Tesla’s Model 3 will first be launched in India. Model 3 is reportedly the cheapest model offered by Tesla with price starting from INR 55 lakh. India will commence booking for the most awaited Tesla car in January. 

The entry of electric car giant comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to increase focus and promote electric vehicles in the country towards achieving Green Mobility resolution. But the efforts are being slowed down due to lack of investment in infrastructure lay out for Tesla like charging stations for the cars.