Business News: American electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla is all set to make its long-awaited debut in the Indian market. The company will inaugurate its first showroom, branded as an “Experience Center,” at Jio World Drive in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15, according to an exclusive report. This marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s persistent efforts to enter the Indian EV space. The company has leased approximately 4,000 square feet of space at Maker Maxity, with an annual rent starting at Rs 3.7 crore, set to rise incrementally.
Next Stop Delhi, Supercharger Network on the Way
Following the Mumbai launch, Tesla plans to open its second Experience Center in New Delhi. Simultaneously, the groundwork for Tesla’s Supercharger network in India is underway to cater to early adopters.
Model Y to Be the Showstopper
Tesla’s entry into India isn’t just symbolic. The company will showcase its popular Model Y (rear-wheel drive variant). According to a Bloomberg report, these EVs have already arrived in Mumbai from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai. As per customs filings, each car is valued at approximately Rs 27.7 lakh, but after accounting for heavy import duties, the estimated on-road price could exceed Rs 46 lakh—placing the Model Y firmly in India’s luxury EV segment.
No Local Manufacturing Plans Yet
Despite the excitement surrounding Tesla’s arrival, the company has not announced any plans for local manufacturing in India as of now. Earlier, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated that Tesla is currently focused solely on retail operations, with no confirmed intent to begin production.
This comes even as the Indian government recently introduced a new EV policy that offers reduced import duties for automakers willing to invest in domestic manufacturing.
Tesla Building Operational Base in India
Even without a manufacturing facility, Tesla is actively establishing its operational infrastructure across India. Reports indicate that the company has already opened a service center in Kurla, Mumbai, and leased office spaces in Bengaluru and Pune. Warehousing facilities have also been set up in Haryana and Karnataka.
India: A Market Full of Promise and Challenges
India, the third-largest automobile market in the world, presents immense opportunities—but also challenges—for Tesla. While EV adoption is growing, it still constitutes just over 5% of total new car sales, and premium EVs make up a small fraction of that. Nonetheless, Tesla’s entry underscores its commitment to India as a strategic long-term market for electric mobility and innovation.
