One of the stops for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 5-day visit to the USA was Tesla Motors' plant in San Jose. He was received by the company's CEO, Mr Elon Musk, who explained him various innovations done by the company, after which he visited the factory floor.

Renewable energy, Tesla’s battery technology, and innovations in energy storage figured in the discussions between PM Modi and Elon Musk. The PM also met various employees of Indian origin who work at Tesla. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Tesla Motors was primarily due to India’s interest in the company’s solar Powerwall technology. Modi and Musk also discussed the possibility of a more affordable car from the company and how batteries and solar panels can be used for the future electric generation in the rural areas of the country. 

Tesla executives, including the company’s chief technical officer JB Straubel showed Modi and his contingent around the cutting edge robotic auto assembly plant. Straubel and Modi further dicussed the company’s lithium-ion battery pack.

Image courtesy: Press Information Bureau