Mumbai: Electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla Inc. has officially launched operations in India, opening its first showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday. Located at the Maker Maxity Commercial Complex in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the 4,000 sq. ft. experience center was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
At the launch event, Fadnavis expressed hope that Tesla will eventually consider setting up research, development, and manufacturing facilities in India. “I am sure Tesla will think about it at an appropriate stage,” he said.
Tesla’s India debut comes as the country’s EV market remains at a nascent stage, comprising just over 2% of total car sales in 2024. Meanwhile, the company is navigating a dip in global sales, attributed in part to CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement.
🔍 5 Key Facts About Tesla’s India Launch
📌 1. Model Y Makes Its Indian Debut
Tesla will begin its India journey with the Model Y SUV, priced around $70,000 globally. The rear-wheel drive variant starts at ₹59.89 lakh, while the long-range version starts at ₹67.89 lakh, according to the official Tesla India website. Two units of the Model Y were displayed at the Mumbai showroom.
📌 2. Showroom Details
The experience center at Maker Maxity features a sleek Tesla logo in black on a white wall and aims to serve as both a sales and brand engagement hub.
📌 3. Higher Price Tags Due to Import Tariffs
Tesla vehicles in India are approximately 30% costlier than in the US due to import duties ranging from 70% to 110%, Bloomberg reported. India currently does not offer a federal tax credit to offset EV prices.
📌 4. Target Market: Luxury Segment
Tesla will compete with premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, rather than Indian EV players like Tata Motors or Mahindra. Analysts say Tesla’s entry could boost innovation and accelerate EV adoption in the country.
📌 5. Next Stop: Delhi
A second Tesla showroom is set to open in Delhi in July, with hiring and warehousing arrangements already underway in the capital.