Tesla Opens Its First Showroom in India: A Bold New Chapter for EVs

Mumbai, July 15, 2025 – Tesla has finally arrived in India. The global electric vehicle giant opened its first showroom today in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), setting the stage for a new era in the country’s automotive industry. This long-awaited debut marks a major milestone for India’s electric vehicle (EV) journey and signals Tesla’s serious intent to tap into the world’s third-largest car market.

The new Tesla Experience Centre is located in Maker Maxity Mall, one of Mumbai’s most high-profile commercial hubs. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present at the launch and hailed the event as a “powerful moment” for India’s clean mobility mission.

A Journey That Took Years

Tesla’s arrival has been a long time coming. For years, talks between the company and Indian authorities went back and forth over policy hurdles, high import duties, and concerns about local manufacturing. Elon Musk’s public comments often hinted at frustration, but the interest never faded.

Now, with India more focused than ever on clean energy and sustainable transport, Tesla’s entry feels both timely and strategic. While this launch doesn't yet include manufacturing or assembly, it’s a strong first step.

Inside the Showroom

The Experience Centre is sleek and futuristic, designed to reflect Tesla’s global aesthetic—minimalist, clean, and tech-driven. Spread over 4,000 square feet, the space showcases the Model Y SUV, which is the first Tesla vehicle available in India.

Visitors can learn about the car’s features, explore digital tools, and speak to Tesla advisors. While test drives aren’t available yet, customers can place bookings and get a feel for the Tesla ecosystem.

Tesla has signed a five-year lease for the space, paying around ₹35 lakh per month, with a security deposit of ₹2.11 crore. It’s a premium investment, and the location reflects Tesla’s focus on affluent early adopters.

The Model Y: Starting at ₹59.89 Lakh

Tesla’s launch model for India is the Model Y, a versatile electric SUV that’s seen major global success. It’s available in two variants:

• Model Y RWD: ₹59.89 lakh, ~500 km range, 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds

• Model Y Long Range RWD: ₹67.89 lakh, ~622 km range, 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds

The cars are being imported fully built, which means they attract steep import duties—almost 70%. That makes them significantly more expensive in India than in other markets.

Customers can reserve a Model Y with a booking amount of ₹22,222. Tesla is also offering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software as an optional add-on for ₹6 lakh. While the feature is present, it won’t be fully autonomous in India due to legal and infrastructure constraints.

Deliveries are expected to start between September and December this year.

No Factory Yet, But Tesla Is Hiring

As of now, there’s no announcement about setting up a manufacturing plant in India. Tesla seems to be testing the waters first, targeting urban, premium buyers with its imported vehicles.

That said, the company is actively hiring. Job openings have been posted for roles in sales, service, and charging infrastructure. A second showroom is already planned for New Delhi, and other metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai are likely to follow.

Charging Ahead: Infrastructure Plans

Tesla’s vehicles are supported by the company’s exclusive Supercharger network in other countries. In India, building out charging infrastructure will be crucial for long-term success.

While the company hasn’t officially announced where chargers will go, it’s expected to begin installations in major cities soon—likely starting near its showrooms and premium residential or commercial hubs.

Tesla also offers mobile servicing, which allows technicians to visit customers for routine maintenance and minor repairs. This model could be ideal for India’s large urban centers where convenience is key.

Why This Matters

Tesla’s India debut goes beyond just selling cars. It’s a signal to the global market that India is ready for serious EV players. The launch is expected to:

• Push Indian carmakers to step up innovation

• Encourage further government support for EVs

• Drive investment in charging infrastructure

• Boost consumer interest in electric mobility

Even with the high prices and limited availability, Tesla’s presence could create a halo effect for the broader EV market.

Looking Ahead

The opening of Tesla’s first showroom is just the beginning. With a second location coming soon in Delhi, growing hiring activity, and plans for charging support, Tesla is setting the foundation for deeper engagement.

What remains to be seen is whether the company will commit to local production. Doing so would help lower prices and make Tesla cars more accessible. That decision may depend on how well the initial sales perform and how Indian policies evolve around import taxes and incentives.

Final Thoughts

Tesla’s entry into India is more than a business move—it’s a cultural and technological moment. The brand has global recognition and carries with it a promise of innovation, sustainability, and bold design. For Indian consumers, Tesla represents not just a car, but a glimpse into the future of mobility.

Yes, the prices are steep, and the models are limited for now. But Tesla’s arrival changes the conversation. It shows that India is now firmly on the radar of the world’s most influential automakers—and that the electric revolution has truly begun.