Tesla Officially Enters India with First Showroom in Mumbai — Prices Start at ₹60 Lakh

Tesla Inc. has officially made its debut in the Indian market with the inauguration of its first showroom in Mumbai.

The showroom, located in the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), marks a significant milestone in India’s EV transition, providing prospective buyers with a direct retail experience from the world’s most renowned EV brand.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the showroom’s opening, signalling strong state-level support for the entry of global EV manufacturers into India.

Tesla’s India website is now live, with bookings open for the Model 3 and Model Y — two of its most popular global offerings. Prices start at ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom), with initial deliveries expected later this year. The first batch of vehicles will likely arrive as Completely Built Units (CBUs), subject to import duty regulations.

Although the pricing may seem steep to Indian consumers, it is consistent with current import duty structures for high-end EVs. Tesla’s launch positions it firmly in the premium segment, targeting affluent buyers and early adopters in metropolitan markets.

Tesla’s journey to India has been a long and complex one.

The company first expressed interest in 2016, and Elon Musk’s repeated hints on social media became an ongoing topic of speculation within the Indian EV community.

However, progress was hindered by high import taxes and a lack of charging infrastructure.

Recent policy shifts, however, appear to have paved the way for Tesla’s entry.

The Indian government has shown increasing interest in attracting global EV investments, with discussions reportedly underway to offer incentives for companies establishing local manufacturing. Tesla is believed to be evaluating these opportunities seriously.

With this launch, Tesla not only brings its iconic brand to Indian shores but also potentially sets the stage for broader EV adoption in the country’s premium vehicle segment.

Only Model Y for Now — Model 3 to Follow Later

At present, Tesla will retail only the Model Y SUV in India. Six units of the Model Y have already landed from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, intended for display and demo purposes at the Mumbai facility.

While many had hoped to see the more affordable Model 3 included from day one, the company has confirmed it will showcase the sedan but hold off on sales until later in 2025. Given the price-sensitive nature of the Indian market, this move is worth watching.

Tesla Car Prices in India

Tesla has listed the Model Y starting at approximately ₹66 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, according to multiple reports, including Bloomberg and Reuters. While this figure puts Tesla well into luxury territory, it is consistent with India’s current import duty structure on completely built units (CBUs).

For context, here’s how the Model Y compares globally:

It’s worth noting that due to India’s steep import duties (up to 100%), Tesla’s India pricing is nearly double that of China and significantly higher than the U.S.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Model Y could cost Indian customers upwards of ₹40 lakh to ₹66 lakh, depending on the final configuration and taxes.

In comparison, the Model 3, which starts at just $29,990 (~₹25.99 lakh) in the U.S., may cost over ₹40 lakh on-road in India once launched.

Model Y Specs for India

Tesla is offering the Model Y in Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD (Dual Motor) variants. The top-spec AWD variant boasts:

• Range: Up to 574 km (WLTP)

• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds

• Top Speed: Around 217 km/h

• Drive Modes: Regenerative braking, Autopilot-ready

These specs are in line with global variants, indicating that Tesla isn’t compromising on performance even in its CBU phase.

Challenges: Price vs Market Dynamics

From my perspective, Tesla’s India entry is as symbolic as it is strategic. Symbolic because it validates India’s place on the global EV map. Strategic because it allows Tesla to test the waters in a market that’s just beginning to embrace premium EVs.

However, price remains a major hurdle. Speaking to AFP, Soumen Mandal, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint, pointed out that Tesla’s high pricing puts it in competition with German luxury brands, rather than mainstream EVs. He added, “We project 500–700 units sold in the initial months and then tapering off to 200–300 per month.”

That’s realistic because while Tesla commands brand appeal among India’s tech-forward elite, the mass market will likely wait for a locally assembled version or a more accessible pricing structure.

Infrastructure and Expansion

Tesla’s first Indian retail footprint begins with Mumbai, and sources indicate Delhi may be next. While there is no official confirmation yet on the timeline for expansion into Bengaluru or Hyderabad, it’s safe to assume that Tesla will initially focus on metros with adequate infrastructure and high EV adoption potential.

Supercharger deployment will be critical.

I expect Tesla to begin installing its proprietary fast-charging network in Mumbai and Delhi soon, enabling a seamless experience for early adopters.

Tesla has made its move. Now the question is whether India — with its price sensitivity, infrastructure gaps, and policy shifts — can respond in kind.