Tesla has officially arrived in India! After years of anticipation and speculation, the world’s most famous electric car brand has launched its first showroom in the country. The American EV giant opened its first-ever Tesla Experience Centre in Mumbai, located in one of the city’s most luxurious business areas – Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
This marks a historic moment for Indian car lovers and especially for those who have been waiting to get a feel of Tesla cars. The Mumbai showroom is not just a place to look at Tesla vehicles, but also offers a complete “experience” – giving potential buyers a glimpse into the future of electric mobility.
The CM says, “This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre but a statement that Tesla has arrived, a statement that it has arrived in the right city and state, that is Mumbai, Maharashtra…Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability…Tesla is not just a car and car company but stands for innovation and sustainability…”
Where Is Tesla’s First Showroom in India?
Tesla’s first showroom is right in the heart of Mumbai, in BKC, a posh business area known for its premium offices and luxury outlets. The showroom is around 4,000 square feet in size and is reportedly rented at a whopping ₹35 lakh per month!
Photos shared by media and on social platforms show a sleek and futuristic showroom with Tesla’s iconic branding. A white Tesla car, partially covered, is seen placed inside the space. Six units of the Model Y have been imported specially for this opening. These cars were brought from Tesla’s Shanghai plant to Mumbai.
Model Y: Tesla’s First Car in India
The Model Y, a stylish and practical all-electric SUV, is the first car to be showcased at the Mumbai showroom. It is a mid-size SUV with a coupe-like design and advanced features. In India, Tesla is bringing two versions of the Model Y:
Long Range RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), Long Range AWD (All-Wheel Drive).
The car has a modern, minimalist design with a dual-tone black and white interior, a large 15.4-inch touchscreen, and features like: Wireless charging, USB-C ports, Voice command, Built-in internet connectivity& Mobile app-based access.
The Model Y looks sleek in a dark grey shade with black alloy wheels, making it stand out in the crowd.
What’s the Price of Tesla in India?
The starting price of the Tesla Model Y in India is ₹59.89 lakh, but this price could go higher depending on the variant and any customizations. The reason for the high price is India’s steep import duties.
India currently imposes 70% to 100% import tax on fully built foreign vehicles (called Completely Built Units or CBUs). This adds a huge cost to imported cars like the Tesla Model Y.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has often criticized these high tariffs and has requested the Indian government to reduce them. Musk believes that lower taxes will help make Tesla more affordable and popular in India.
Will Tesla Build a Factory in India?
As of now, Tesla has not confirmed any plans to set up a manufacturing plant or assembly unit in India. The Indian government, on the other hand, wants Tesla to manufacture cars locally if it wants to enjoy lower taxes.
Talks between Tesla and the Indian government are ongoing. If Tesla sets up a factory here, it would help reduce prices and create jobs. However, until then, Tesla will continue importing vehicles, which means higher prices for buyers.
Why Is Tesla’s Entry Important for India?
Tesla entering India is a big deal. It shows that global carmakers see India as an important market for electric vehicles. As India pushes for cleaner energy and lower pollution, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more important.
Tesla’s arrival can help speed up India’s shift toward EVs. It can also inspire other global and Indian car companies to improve their EV offerings.
What’s Next for Tesla in India?
Tesla is expected to open more showrooms soon in major cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The Mumbai showroom is just the beginning. Over time, Tesla may expand its service centres, offer more vehicle models, and perhaps, even introduce Tesla’s Supercharger network for fast EV charging.
Sum Up:
Tesla’s India journey has finally started with the grand opening of its first showroom in Mumbai and the Model Y launch. Though the prices are high due to import taxes, it is still a big step for the Indian electric vehicle industry.
With more showrooms, discussions on local manufacturing, and growing interest in EVs, Tesla’s entry might just be the push India needs for a greener automotive future.