Tesla Enters India with Model Y Launch and First Showroom in Mumbai’s BKCSource : AFP

Tesla Kicks Off India Operations with Model Y Launch, Opens Flagship Showroom at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex

Tesla, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, headed by Elon Musk, has finally entered India by launching its Model Y SUV and opening its first store in Mumbai. 

Starting from Rs. 59.89 lakh, Model Y is Tesla’s much-awaited entry into the third-largest automobile market in the world. The firm opened its 3,000 sq ft experience center at Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on Monday, marking a significant change in India’s high-end EV universe.

Mumbai Gets India’s First Tesla Store

Located in one of Mumbai’s most high-profile commercial zones, the new Tesla showroom drew considerable attention even before it opened its doors. With a black Tesla logo set against a minimalist white backdrop, and a partially covered Model Y visible through glass panels, the store attracted a steady stream of onlookers.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the store, the company’s first physical presence in India. The experience centre, located just a few hundred meters from India’s first Apple Store, will open to customers next week.

Maharashtra Rolls Out Red Carpet

At the inauguration, Fadnavis had urged Tesla to look at Maharashtra for long-term investment in manufacturing and research and development. “Mumbai is not just India’s financial and entertainment hub; it also represents innovation and sustainability,” he said, and the state is eager to help Tesla’s long-term vision.

“Tesla is not only a car firm; it’s a symbol of design, greenness, and innovation. We would like to see them manufacturing here in India as well,” Fadnavis added.

Model Y Launches Tesla’s India Lineup

Tesla’s initial offering for India, the Model Y, is available in two trim levels:

  • Long Range RWD – Rs. 59.89 lakh (574 km range, 0–100 kmph in 5.4 sec)
  • Long Range AWD – Rs. 67.89 lakh (527 km range, 0–100 kmph in 4.6 sec)

The cost is significantly higher compared to other markets because of India’s high import taxes. The Model Y begins from around Rs. 38.6 lakh in the US, Rs. 30.5 lakh in China, and Rs. 46 lakh in Germany, for comparison.

Despite the price difference, Tesla is aiming at India’s urban elite and premium EV customers, taking on companies like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the luxury electric vehicle segment.

Model 3 May Be Next in Queue

Tesla will likely follow up the Model Y with the Model 3, the most affordable EV from the company in the world. In the US, it begins at $29,990 (approximately Rs. 25.99 lakh). With a lower 15% import duty, the approximated ex-showroom price in India would be around Rs. 29.79 lakh, though the actual on-road price could increase up to Rs. 40 lakh as a result of taxes and charges.

So far, Tesla has received homologation for eight EV models in India. The company has imported nine units for certification, along with merchandise worth $1 million. However, Tesla has chosen not to participate in the Indian government’s new EV manufacturing incentive scheme, instead opting to import cars from its Shanghai facility.

A Boost for India’s EV Ambitions

Tesla’s foray into India is well-timed, when the country is striving to take EVs to 30% of all car sales by 2030 from just 4% now. With policy backing and tax benefits for clean mobility, the ground is ready for EV growth.

Tesla’s India saga is just unfolding. Although mass-market penetration is a slow process, its arrival brings serious oomph to India’s electric ride. The deliveries of Model Y are likely to start by August-end, and a second showroom is planned in Delhi this year.