Anand-Mahindra-to-Elon-MuskMeet-You-at-the-Charging-Station-as-Tesla-Launches-in-India

Anand Mahindra to Elon Musk: Meet You at the Charging Station as Tesla Powers Into India 

The Indian electric vehicle (EV) competition has now gained momentum. The first Tesla Experience Center at Mumbai's high-end Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), considered the Wall Street of India, was inaugurated on July 15, 2025, to mark the company's official entry into India. While Musk's gorgeous Model Y took the stage, welcomed Elon Musk as Tesla opened its first Indian showroom in Mumbai.

Mahindra, whose company is in the EV market in India, wasn't just rolling out the welcome mat to Tesla; he was reopening eight years of discussions. Now, in 2025, the two industry giants are finally on the same road.

Tesla's Grand Entrance: Luxury EVs at Luxury Prices 

After several years of negotiations regarding import duties and production locally, the first Tesla was finally brought to India. The import duty under the electric vehicle policy is 100% for vehicles above US$40,000. The Model Y is priced at around ₹65 lakh (US$78,000), almost twice what it costs in the United States.

Key Takeaways :

  • Flagship Store: The Mumbai showroom houses at least everything from AI test drives to solar roof displays.
  • Charging Problems: Only 12 Supercharger stations are operational, and they are predominantly located in city areas (Economic Times).
  • Localization plans? Musk showed a Gujarat Gigafactory by 2027, but faces competition from the aggressive supply chains of Tata and Mahindra.

Mahindra's Counter-Strategy: Indigenous Innovation

Mahindra is making a significant impact. The automaker's Born Electric line, with the XUV.e9 (₹25 lakh/US$30,000), is 60% cheaper than Tesla, which they intend to price defensively.

  • Battery Technology: A collaboration has been formed with Volkswagen on the high-density cells, which will give a range of 550 kilometers per charge.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Over 1,500 fast-charging stations have been collaboratively established along highways in partnership with Indian Oil.
  • Market Intelligence: The McKinsey 2025 report indicates 70% of Indian electric vehicle (EV) purchasers care about price more than brand.

Mahindra Creates Retro-Fun Challenge to Tesla.

Mahindra also gives the company kudos and shares a picture of his 2017 conversation with Elon Musk.

Old post of a Screenshot from Anand Mahindra to Elon Musk. ( source: Economic Times) 

In the same post, Musk praised India for aiming to become fully electric by 2030, as well as having the largest solar market.

Responding to that, Mahindra said, Time you got here Elon. You don't want to leave the whole market to Mahindra do you? The more the merrier and greener…!

Users on X Respond to the Post.

X Post Username comment on
Responses to Mahindra’s welcome post were mixed among users on X. Some users said Tesla would face challenges selling to price-conscious Indian buyers, while other users praised Tesla for its advanced technology and foresaw rapid growth happening in the future. 

One user stated the Fortuner sold about 29,000 units last year in India at ₹35–55L. Will people buy a Tesla at a starting price of ₹60L?

Can Tesla Crack India's Unique Market

Experts highlight three challenges Tesla faces:  

1. Price Wars: Tata's ₹10 lakh (US$12,000) EV is at the top of unit sales, leaving Tesla a luxury niche.  

2. Infrastructure Gaps: India has just 8,000 public chargers compared to China's 1.8 million (IEA).  

3. Cultural Fit: Indian buyers have a proclivity for SUVs rather than sedans--a segment that Mahindra dominates.  

As Musk and Mahindra's entrants intensify the competition, one certainty remains: India's EV revolution will unfold according to Indian conditions.

Real Winners? Indian Drivers: As EV Giant Sparks a Green Revolution

Mahindra's tweet hides a serious battle for the fate of electric vehicles in India. Tesla may have tremendous brand clout, but the local players have many strengths in technology, price, and access to infrastructure. More competition will accelerate the transition to green mobility for the consumer.