Tesla has officially landed in India — and the buzz is real. As of mid-July 2025, the electric car giant has opened its first Indian showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra‑Kurla Complex and begun sales of its flagship Model Y SUV. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q3 2025 (AP News).
Launch Details You Shouldn’t Miss
- Showroom: Tesla’s first Indian retail outlet is live at Mumbai’s BKC, inaugurated with much fanfare including the presence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (ACKO Drive).
- Vehicle on Offer: Only the Tesla Model Y is available at launch. Other models like Model 3, Model S or local assembly plans have no official timeline yet (The Times of India, CarWale, Reuters).
Pricing That Turns Heads
Tesla’s Model Y comes in two variants, both imported as completely built units (CBUs):
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Model Y Standard RWD (≈ 500 km range) | ₹59.89 lakh (~$70k) (CarDekho) |
| Model Y Long Range RWD (≈ 622 km range) | ₹67.89 lakh (~$79k) (Indiatimes, CarDekho, Reuters) |
| With Full Self-Driving (FSD) add-on | +₹6 lakh over variant price (CarDekho, CarDekho) |
On-road pricing in cities like Mumbai and Delhi is expected to hover around ₹69 lakh given state taxes and levies (ACKO Drive).
Booking & Delivery Plans
- Tesla India opened online bookings via its official website, accepting a small token of ₹22,220, with ₹3 lakh required within seven days to confirm the order (CarWale).
- Priority delivery zones include Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram, with expansion plans underway (CarDekho).
Features & Infrastructure
- Model Y boasts a minimalist interior with a large central touchscreen, optional 3rd‑row seating, Autopilot, and up to 622 km of claimed range (CarWale).
- Tesla plans to begin rolling out its Supercharger network in Mumbai and around Delhi, supporting fast charging and enhancing ownership experience (Reuters, The Times of India).
Challenges Ahead
- High Import Duties: With tariffs exceeding 70–100%, the high price tags reflect India’s steep EV import duties. Elon Musk has openly criticised these policies (Reuters).
- Niche Market: Tesla targets just the top ~4% of India’s car buyers—those leaning towards premium EVs like BMW and Mercedes rather than everyday models from Tata or Mahindra (Reuters).
- Local Manufacturing: No confirmed plans yet, though discussions continue. Policy incentives or trade agreements may shape future decisions on local production or R&D facilities (Reuters).
Why It Matters
- Tesla’s entry signals India’s increasing importance in the global EV ecosystem. If tariffs ease or local assembly begins, India could become a strategic hub for EV exports in Asia.
- Its presence pushes Indian automakers to step up efforts on design, range, tech and charging infrastructure.
- Other players—Chinese EV brands, homegrown startups, charging firms—may get a boost from renewed investor and policy focus (AP News).
Final Take
Tesla’s debut in India is historic, though cautious. The Model Y, at ₹60–68 lakh, is priced more like a luxury import than an everyman EV. Still, for early adopters seeking prestige, tech, and range, it presents an unmatched package—for now.
Local manufacturing, pricing adjustments, improved infrastructure, and expanding showroom presence will be key to Tesla becoming a mainstream EV option in India. Until then, expect it to remain a symbol of future EV ambitions rather than mass market adoption.
