Tesla drives into India: Elon Musk's EV giant opens first showroom in Mumbai; from prices to market strategy - top 10 things to know

Time of India

a day ago

Elon Musk owned Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the opening of its first showroom at Mumbai on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for the American EV maker, as it unveiled two Model Y vehicles on display.
The move follows a teaser from Tesla's India-focused X handle last Friday, hinting at a July 2025 launch with a post that simply read 'Coming soon,' accompanied by a graphic referencing its India debut.
Here are the key highlights from Tesla's much-anticipated arrival:
First stop Mumbai:
Tesla's first Indian showroom, a 4,000-square-foot space located at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, marks the company's official launchpad in the country. Situated in the heart of the city's financial hub, the showroom currently features two variants of the Model Y, a midsize electric SUV on display.
Prices in India:
The Model Y will start at Rs 61 lakh (on-road), with the rear-wheel drive version priced at Rs 59.89 lakh. The long-range rear-wheel drive variant comes in at Rs 67.89 lakh.
High import duties bite:
India's import duties on foreign cars, ranging from 70% to 110%, have been a longstanding concern for Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The on road price is almost a third more than the vehicle's starting price in the US without a federal tax credit, Bloomberg reported.
Deliveries to begin later:
While the car is now available for bookings, customer deliveries are expected to begin only after September 2025. Tesla plans to use the interim months to complete regulatory processes, fine-tune logistics, and strengthen its after-sales infrastructure.
Regulatory nod received:
Just days before the showroom opening, Tesla received formal approval from Mumbai's Andheri RTO. A trade certificate was issued on July 11, allowing Tesla to showcase, test-drive, and sell its cars within India.
From Shanghai to Mumbai:
The cars currently on display, and available for test drives, have been imported from Tesla's factory in Shanghai. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy had earlier clarified that Tesla has no plans to manufacture in India for now.
Delhi next stop:
After Mumbai, Delhi is next in line. Tesla has plans to unveil its second showroom in the country, which will open in the capital city, expanding its footprint in India's two largest urban markets.
Charging infrastructure incoming:
Tesla will install its next-gen V4 Superchargers in India ahead of vehicle deliveries. These chargers can power up the car for a 267-km range in just 15 minutes. The company will also set up four charging stations in Delhi, equipped with a total of 16 Superchargers.
Hopes to revive sales:
Globally, Tesla's sales dipped by 13% between April and June amid growing backlash over Elon Musk's political views. The company sold 384,122 vehicles during the quarter, down from 443,956 a year earlier. India now offers a fresh opportunity at a time when demand in the US and China appears to be cooling.
A two-decade journey:
Tesla, founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, has grown from an ambitious startup into one of the most recognisable names in the EV world. Named after inventor Nikola Tesla, the company has become synonymous with electric innovation.
Tesla's entry comes on the back of India's newly announced EV policy, which offers reduced import duties and a range of incentives to global electric car makers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk also discussed potential collaborations in April during a call, followed by a meeting in February in the U.S.
With the Mumbai showroom now open, Tesla is finally set to test the waters in one of the world's fastest-growing automotive markets, marking the beginning of what could be a transformative chapter for India's EV future.
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