UK-India FTA talks centered on mid-range Electric Vehicles market access

  • Industry News
  • Nov 09,23
The British government is determined to gain access to India’s mid-priced EV market, particularly in the $40,000-$60,000 (Rs 33.30-49.9 lakh) range.
UK-India FTA talks centered on mid-range Electric Vehicles market access

Talks surrounding a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and India have shifted focus to electric vehicles (EVs), according to insiders. The British government is determined to gain access to India’s mid-priced EV market, particularly in the $40,000-$60,000 (Rs 33.30-49.9 lakh) range. Surprisingly, the UK is seeking duty exemptions for fully built EVs in this segment, even though India initially excluded EVs from concessions. India, however, is willing to grant concessions only for luxury EVs priced at $90,000 and above, citing concerns about revenue loss and the need to protect domestic manufacturers.

Currently, the Indian market for premium EVs is limited due to high import duties, with only a few models like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Kia’s EV6, and the BYD Atto 3 falling into this category. However, the market is expected to expand significantly with the upcoming launch of new EV models by Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra starting in late 2024. 

In the fiscal year 2024, EVs accounted for 1.6% of the Indian passenger vehicle market, amounting to just over 43,500 units. The talks between the UK and India have been prolonged due to the differing positions of the two sides. The UK emphasises the importance of accessing the $40,000-$60,000 price range for its auto industry in India, while India is concerned about potential revenue losses and the need to safeguard domestic manufacturers.

PB Balaji, the Group Chief Financial Officer of Tata Motors, expressed support for a free trade agreement between India and the UK. He stressed the need for these agreements to protect domestic industries in terms of pricing support and welcomed healthy competition in the market. Balaji highlighted the importance of balancing the interests of both countries and ensuring a thriving domestic manufacturing setup.

In addition to British carmakers like Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Mini Cooper, and Bentley, several non-UK manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Volkswagen have significant manufacturing operations in the UK and sell their products in the Indian market. Lotus, a British performance carmaker, is also expected to announce its entry into India, potentially benefiting from the free trade deal by launching an electric SUV in the country.

Source: Mint

Related Stories

Machine Tools & Accessories
Mohini Kelkar is the new IMTMA President

Mohini Kelkar is the new IMTMA President

The 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) took place on 10 September 2025 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.

Read more
Automation & Robotics
ICSE 2025 urges green skills education to drive sustainable economy

ICSE 2025 urges green skills education to drive sustainable economy

The 7th ICSE in New Delhi closed with calls to bridge India’s green skills gap, align education with jobs, and advance sustainability goals.

Read more

Related Products

Automotive Oil Pump

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Kalpak Auto Pvt Ltd offers a wide range of automotive oil pump.

Read more

Request a Quote

Tata Motors unveils facilities for development of Hydrogen propulsion tech

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors, India?s largest automobile company, unveiled two state-of-the-art & new-age R&D facilities for meeting its mission of offering sustainable mobility solutions. The unveilings constitute of Read more

Request a Quote

Tata Motors plans petrol powertrain for Harrier and Safari SUVs

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors is in the process of developing a new petrol powertrain for its premium sports utility vehicles, the Harrier and Safari, as confirmed by a senior company official. Currently, these models Read more

Request a Quote

Hi There!

Now get regular updates from IPF Magazine on WhatsApp!

Click on link below, message us with a simple hi, and SAVE our number

You will have subscribed to our Industrial News on Whatsapp! Enjoy

+91 84228 74016