Tesla is officially stepping into the Indian market, with its first showroom opening in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex on Tuesday, July 15. This marks a significant milestone for both the American EV giant and India’s electric mobility journey.
What to Expect at the Mumbai Showroom
-
The showroom will function as a “Tesla Experience Centre”, offering customers a chance to:
-
Explore Model Y configurations
-
Check pricing and trim levels
-
Begin vehicle ordering and customization as early as next week
-
-
Initially, the showroom will cater to VIPs and business partners, with general public access expected the following week.
Deliveries to Begin by Late August
Tesla's first batch of Model Y SUVs has already landed in India—imported from its Shanghai Gigafactory. According to Bloomberg sources, deliveries will begin by late August. A second showroom is also expected to open in New Delhi by the end of July, expanding Tesla’s presence in the country.
Model Y in India: High Demand, High Price
-
The Model Y is Tesla’s best-selling vehicle globally, but in India, its success will hinge on consumer willingness to pay a premium.
-
Due to India’s 70% import duty on fully built EVs under $40,000, the price could double the U.S. retail cost of $46,630 (₹39 lakh approx).
-
Import documents show that the base Model Y was declared at ₹27.7 lakh ($32,270), excluding taxes and duties.
Strategic Timing
Tesla’s India launch aligns with:
-
Slowing global EV sales
-
Underutilized factory capacity
-
India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest car market
-
Growing urban EV interest and government support for clean mobility
Hiring and Future Plans
Tesla has begun hiring across India, including:
-
Store managers
-
Service and sales personnel
-
Supply chain and vehicle operators (possibly tied to Autopilot tech testing)
While local manufacturing is not on the immediate agenda, this launch could lay the groundwork for future investments if the market response is strong.
Tesla’s arrival is being seen as a watershed moment for India’s EV ecosystem. The showroom launch may finally fulfill the long-standing dreams of Indian Tesla enthusiasts—and test the brand’s premium appeal in a cost-sensitive, fast-evolving auto market.
