India’s EV market has reached a major milestone as Tesla officially enters the country, starting with the launch of its first showroom and service center in Mumbai. With spy shots of Tesla cars arriving at ports and the showroom setup nearing completion, the American EV giant’s long-anticipated Indian journey has now begun. Here’s everything you need to know — from model expectations and showroom location to features, pricing, and booking details.
Tesla’s India Journey Begins in Mumbai
After years of speculation and delays, Tesla has made its official move by setting up shop in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This will serve as the company’s first official Tesla Experience Center in India, offering sales, customer support, and basic servicing.
Tesla’s India entity — Tesla Motors India and Energy Pvt. Ltd. — was registered in 2021, but product rollout was delayed due to import duty discussions. Now, with showroom setup visible and customer engagement teams in place, Tesla is finally ready to serve Indian buyers.
Which Tesla Cars Will Be Offered First in India?
While official announcements are still pending, early import data and Tesla’s global product positioning suggest the following models will be launched first:
● Tesla Model 3
- Powertrain: RWD and Dual Motor AWD
- Range: 430–570 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: ~5.8 sec (Long Range)
- Expected Price: ₹45 – ₹60 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
● Tesla Model Y
- Powertrain: Dual Motor AWD
- Range: 505–530 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: ~5.0 sec
- Expected Price: ₹55 – ₹70 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Higher-end models like the Model S and Model X may be offered later as CBUs but will likely carry premium pricing upwards of ₹1 Cr.
Design & Tech: Premium Meets Minimalism
Tesla’s signature design language combines sleek aesthetics with intelligent software. The Mumbai showroom will showcase cars with:
- Clean, aerodynamic exteriors
- All-glass panoramic roofs
- 15-inch central touchscreen interface
- Minimalistic dashboards with haptic controls
- Over-the-air software updates
- Autopilot & Full Self-Driving (optional in future)
Interior layouts are expected to follow Tesla’s global theme — simple, tech-heavy, and future-forward.
Charging Infrastructure & Service Readiness
Tesla is also planning to set up Superchargers in Mumbai and other Tier-1 cities. For now:
- AC Wall Chargers (Type 2) and CCS2 DC fast chargers will be installed at the showroom and service centers.
- Tesla is likely to partner with Indian charging networks like Tata Power and Statiq for wider compatibility.
- Mobile service vans and remote diagnostics will enhance after-sales support.
Booking and Delivery Timeline
Tesla is expected to start accepting bookings via its India website in Q3 2025.
- Booking Amount: ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakh (refundable)
- Test Drives: Likely to begin by September 2025
- First Deliveries: End of 2025, depending on homologation clearance
Initially, vehicles will be CBU (Completely Built-Up) imports, with CKD or SKD local assembly being considered in Maharashtra or Gujarat based on market response.
Features & Safety Equipment
Tesla cars sold in India will likely offer the same features as global variants:
Key Features:
- 15-inch infotainment with OTA updates
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Premium audio system (12+ speakers)
- Voice assistant and gesture controls
- Tesla app for remote monitoring
Safety Features:
- Up to 8 airbags
- Lane Keep Assist & Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Autopilot with optional FSD (expected in later updates)
Pricing Strategy for India
Tesla cars will initially be priced at a premium due to import duties:
- Model 3 Range: ₹45 – ₹60 Lakh
- Model Y Range: ₹55 – ₹70 Lakh
- Model S / X (CBU only): ₹1.2 Cr and above
Government discussions around lowering EV import duties are ongoing. If a special EV policy is passed, local assembly could bring prices down by 15–20%.
Competition in the Indian EV Space
Tesla will enter a growing EV segment, competing against:
- BMW i4
- Kia EV6
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Mercedes EQB / EQE SUV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
Although priced higher, Tesla’s tech, brand appeal, and performance edge could attract affluent urban buyers and early EV adopters.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for Tesla in India?
Tesla’s official Mumbai launch is a pivotal moment for the Indian EV market. With cutting-edge technology, superior range, and iconic branding, it brings global excitement to Indian roads.
If you’re considering a premium electric car in 2025, Tesla is worth waiting for — especially with the Model 3 and Model Y offering an exciting balance of range, performance, and smart features.
As bookings open and test drives begin, Tesla’s Indian chapter is just getting started. Stay tuned for updates on Supercharger maps, delivery timelines, and model reveals in the coming months.