In a landmark moment for India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, Tesla Inc. officially launched its first showroom in the country on July 15, located at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. The debut marks the American EV giant’s long-awaited entry into the world’s third-largest automobile market.
Model Y Unveiled: India’s First Taste of Tesla
Tesla kicked off its India operations with the launch of the Model Y SUV, available in two variants:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Long Range RWD: ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
Both models are being imported from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, respectively.
Booking & Delivery Across India
While the physical showroom is in Mumbai, Tesla has opened nationwide online bookings. Customers can:
- Customise their vehicle (colour, wheels, interiors)
- Pay a ₹2 lakh refundable booking fee
- Opt for home delivery or pickup hubs in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai
Charging Infrastructure & Service Network
Tesla plans to install 16 Superchargers across Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, including locations in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Aerocity, Saket, and Noida. A dedicated service centre is also under development in Kurla West, Mumbai, to support after-sales operations.
Voices from the Launch
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who inaugurated the showroom, hailed Tesla’s arrival:
Tesla has arrived in the right city and the right state. Mumbai is the entrepreneurial capital of India. This is more than just an inauguration – it’s a statement.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, welcomed the competition:
One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting. Competition drives innovation.
Challenges & Outlook
Despite the excitement, Tesla faces hurdles:
- High import duties (up to 100%) inflate prices compared to global markets
- FSD (Full Self-Driving) features are disabled due to lack of regulatory framework
- EV penetration in India remains under 5%, with luxury EVs forming a niche segment
Tesla’s entry into India is more than a commercial move – it’s a signal of the country’s growing relevance in the global EV narrative. With policy shifts and infrastructure expansion underway, India may soon become a key player in sustainable mobility.
