Tesla’s First India Experience Center
Tesla’s first experience center in India is under construction in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and is set to open on July 15. The 4,000 sq. ft. showroom, located at Jio World Drive near the Apple flagship store, will showcase Tesla’s electric cars and technology.
At the new center, visitors can explore and configure Tesla models. However, test drives or deliveries will not be available initially. The launch is being positioned as the formal debut of Tesla in the Indian market.
Tesla’s Long-Awaited India Entry
Tesla’s arrival in India has been years in the making. The company registered its subsidiary in Bengaluru in January 2021. CEO Elon Musk has since expressed strong interest in entering the Indian market.
In 2023, Musk planned to announce a $2–3 billion investment during a visit to India, which was later canceled. Despite delays, Tesla has built a small local presence.
Tesla leased a 30,000 sq. ft. facility in Kurla West for a service center. It has a 1,000-employee engineering hub in Pune and a corporate office in Bengaluru. Still, operations remain lean and are currently managed by a team based in China after the recent exit of India head Prashanth Menon.
Tesla’s Initial Strategy: Imports, Not Manufacturing
Despite India’s push for local manufacturing, Tesla has clarified that it will initially sell only fully imported vehicles. The company has no plans for local assembly at this stage.
India imposes steep import duties of 70% to 110% on fully built cars. As a result, Tesla’s vehicles will be expensive. For instance, six Model Y SUVs were imported in early 2025, with each facing a ₹21.6 lakh duty on a ₹27.7 lakh base price.
According to Autocar India, these imports attract about 110% customs duty. This means Tesla’s early sales will cater only to high-end buyers. The brand is currently focusing on building awareness rather than mass sales.
Mixed Reactions from Government and Industry Experts
Tesla’s announcement has triggered varied responses. Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated that Tesla is focused solely on showrooms and imported sales, not manufacturing.
On the other hand, Karnataka Industry Secretary Gaurav Gupta welcomed Tesla’s move, calling it a “phenomenal development” for the tech and automotive sectors. EV pioneer Chetan Maini noted that Tesla’s high prices will limit market share but praised its impact on India’s EV perception.
India’s Evolving EV Market Landscape
Currently, India’s EV passenger car market is dominated by domestic brands. Tata Motors leads with 57,600 EVs sold in FY2025, though its share fell from 70% in early 2024 to 53% by mid-2025.
JSW MG now holds a 28% share, while Mahindra has crossed 20%. EVs still make up just 2.5% of all cars sold in 2024, but adoption is accelerating as more models are introduced.
Tesla enters as a premium player in a fast-growing market. Experts believe its presence will encourage competition in pricing, tech, and infrastructure development.
Tesla Highlights India’s Charging Infrastructure Gaps
Tesla’s global Supercharger network contrasts sharply with India’s still-developing charging infrastructure. Lack of fast chargers remains a barrier to EV adoption.
Reuters reported that this gap has deterred many potential EV buyers. Tesla’s entry could spotlight the urgent need for high-speed charging stations and service facilities. Over time, Tesla may introduce its Supercharger network to help build EV-ready infrastructure in India.
What Comes Next for Tesla in India
Tesla’s Mumbai showroom is just the beginning. The facelifted Model Y SUV is expected to be the first model offered. Deliveries are likely to start later in 2025 after pricing and financing are finalized.
Prices will remain high, likely ₹60–70 lakh or more due to import taxes. Sales volumes may initially be low, targeting luxury buyers.
Tesla has hinted at opening additional showrooms—New Delhi is a likely next stop. It also plans to monitor demand before making larger investments. Local production or more affordable models may follow based on future market response and policy incentives.
Tesla’s Potential Impact on EV Adoption in India
Tesla’s entry could significantly influence India’s EV sector. The brand brings global recognition and sets a high benchmark in performance, design, and innovation.
Though initial sales may be limited, Tesla is expected to:
- Drive consumer awareness
- Push infrastructure development
- Raise the bar for competitors
- Accelerate innovation across the EV ecosystem
As the Indian government works toward its goal of 30% EV adoption by 2030, Tesla’s presence may help turn that vision into reality.
Conclusion
The launch of Tesla’s Mumbai experience center on July 15 marks a major milestone. While sales and manufacturing plans are still evolving, the move signals Tesla’s serious interest in India’s EV future.
With charging and pricing challenges still ahead, Tesla’s success will depend on how quickly the ecosystem evolves. For now, the brand is here, and the Indian EV market just got more exciting.
