Tesla’s Big India Reveal: First Showroom Opens in Mumbai in this July — But It’s Just the Beginning
Tesla’s Big India Reveal: First Showroom Opens in Mumbai on July 15 — But It’s Just the Beginning
After years of speculation and lobbying, Tesla is officially entering the Indian EV market, with its first showroom opening on July 15 at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)—one of Mumbai’s most premium commercial zones. But while the opening of this “Tesla Experience Centre” is a high-voltage headline, the story underneath is layered with cautious steps and political undercurrents.
What Tesla Is Launching in India — and What It’s Not
- Location: Tesla’s showroom is located at Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai.
- Imported EVs: Tesla has already imported $1 million (~₹8.3 crore) worth of Model Y EVs, accessories, and Superchargers.
- What’s Not Included (Yet):
- No test drives
- No deliveries
- No manufacturing plans confirmed
While the Tesla Experience Centre will allow potential buyers to explore its electric cars and technologies, customers will have to wait longer for test drives or on-road availability.
India Entry Strategy: Import First, Build Later?
Tesla’s first shipment included:
- 6 Model Y EVs
- 5 standard versions (~$32,500 each)
- 1 long-range version (~$46,000)
- Several Superchargers
- Merchandise and accessories
The catch? All these vehicles were imported—mostly from China and the US—and Tesla will be required to pay up to 70% import duties, making each car significantly more expensive for Indian consumers.
Why No Local Manufacturing?
Despite government encouragement, Tesla has no confirmed plans to manufacture EVs in India. Earlier promises of a $2–3 billion investment were shelved after CEO Elon Musk cancelled his India trip in 2024.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy recently confirmed:
“Tesla has shown no interest in producing vehicles locally. They only want to sell imported cars.”
Who’s Running Tesla India?
Tesla’s India operations are currently being managed by its China team, following the resignation of India head Prashanth Menon last month. The company has not appointed a new country lead.
It’s known real estate footprint now includes:
- Showroom at BKC, Mumbai
- Service centre in Kurla West
- Engineering hub in Pune
- Registered office in Bengaluru
- Temporary office near BKC
Tesla’s Global Struggles Cast a Shadow
The India launch comes as Tesla grapples with:
- Excess production capacity globally
- Declining global sales
- 23.17% stock price drop in last 6 months
This raises the question: Is Tesla eyeing India for real growth—or is this a showroom-first, sales-later move to balance global output?
EVINDIA Takeaway
Tesla’s India debut is a big headline—but the real journey has just begun. With no deliveries, no test rides, and no local production, Tesla’s EV experiment in India starts off more as a brand teaser than a full-fledged launch.
Will Tesla commit to “Make in India” in 2026?
Will high import duties limit its reach?
And will Indian EV players like Tata.ev, Mahindra, and BYD India stay ahead?
Stay tuned to EVINDIA for exclusive Tesla India updates, price reveals, real user reviews, and EV market insights.