Tesla enters India finally and it’s not just hype this time. On July 15, 2025, the Elon Musk-led electric vehicle (EV) giant officially opened its first showroom in Mumbai, marking a bold entry into one of the fastest-growing automobile markets in the world.
Tesla Enters India : Showroom at Maker Maxity Mall, Mumbai
Located at Mumbai’s posh Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, this premium showroom is Tesla’s first physical footprint in India. The move signals the company’s intent to “test the waters” in a market hungry for clean energy and luxury innovations.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the launch, calling it a sign of Mumbai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Model Y Is Tesla’s First Offering in India
Tesla enters India with the popular Model Y SUV. The pricing is competitive, considering India’s premium EV landscape:
- Standard Model Y: ₹61 lakh (on-road)
- Rear-Wheel Drive Variant: ₹59.89 lakh (cash price)
While the price may raise eyebrows, Tesla hopes to attract elite urban buyers looking for futuristic, sustainable transport.
No Factory… Yet: Tesla Starts with Import-Only Sales
Despite hopes for a Tesla Gigafactory in India, the company’s strategy (for now) is import-based. Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy confirmed that Tesla isn’t planning manufacturing here—yet.
“They want to sell their car in India. There is no further development about Tesla,” he said in a media interaction last month.
The vehicles will be imported, most likely from Tesla’s Shanghai plant, which has already raised some eyebrows among Indian consumers due to geopolitical sensitivities.
India’s EV Policy Paved the Way
Tesla’s entry comes soon after the Indian government’s new EV policy, offering:
- Lower import duties
- Incentives for foreign EV manufacturers
- Support for green mobility and innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent high-level talks with Elon Musk also played a key role in easing Tesla’s path into the country.
Public Reaction Mixed: ‘Made in China’ Backlash Brewing
While the excitement is undeniable, some Indian consumers are skeptical. Few are concern about selling Tesla EV that are made in China as no manufacturing unit in India.
The backlash reflects concerns over Tesla’s priorities and India’s ongoing economic rivalry with China.
What’s Next after Tesla enters India?
As of now:
- Tesla is focused on premium sales, not manufacturing.
- No Gigafactory plans are confirmed.
- Hiring has already begun for Indian operations.
- Additional showrooms may follow in metro cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
But with demand rising and EV infrastructure evolving, a “Make in India” Tesla could still become reality.
Final Thoughts
Tesla enters India is more than just a showroom opening—it’s a strategic shift in India’s electric mobility journey. While pricing, origin, and policy will shape public perception, one thing is clear: India is now officially on Tesla’s map.