Key Highlights:
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Mumbai Launch Confirmed: Tesla to open its first showroom in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, on July 15.
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Delhi Showroom Next: A second dealership expected soon in Aerocity, New Delhi.
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Model Y Expected: First offering likely to be Tesla Model Y, imported from Shanghai Gigafactory.
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High Import Duties: Final cost of the car could exceed ₹50 lakh due to steep import taxes.
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Full Ecosystem Arrives: Tesla has already imported Superchargers, tools, merchandise, and accessories.
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Leasing Details Revealed: Five-year lease signed for Mumbai showroom with initial rent of ₹3.88 crore/year.
After years of speculation, Tesla is officially launching in India. Its first retail showroom will open on July 15 in Mumbai’s BKC area, making it a landmark moment for the electric vehicle giant.
This comes after a long-standing interest by Tesla and CEO Elon Musk in tapping into India’s growing electric vehicle market. Which has so far been hampered by policy and import duty concerns.
Not Just Cars: The Tesla Ecosystem Arrives
According to a Bloomberg report, a second Tesla showroom is already in the pipeline for Delhi’s Aerocity, signaling a phased rollout strategy across India’s metro markets.
In a strategic move, Tesla has not limited its India entry to just vehicles. The company has also brought in:
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Superchargers to support EV infrastructure
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Service tools and equipment for after-sales operations
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Branded merchandise and accessories
Model Y Likely to Debut First
The Model Y SUV is expected to be Tesla’s first car for Indian customers. All vehicles will be imported from the Shanghai Gigafactory, known for its high efficiency and global supply chain reach.
As per reports:
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Documented import price: ₹27.7 lakh
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Additional import taxes: ~₹21 lakh
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Expected final price: ₹50 lakh+
CEO Elon Musk has earlier voiced concern about India’s EV tax regime, calling it a significant barrier.
“Those import duties can reach up to 70%, making EVs uncompetitive in the Indian market,” Musk had stated.
Yet, Tesla has gone ahead with its plans, importing goods worth over $1 million between January and June 2025.
Showroom Lease Details
According to documents accessed by Reuters:
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Tesla has signed a five-year lease beginning February 16, 2025
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Location: 4,003 sq. ft in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai
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First-year rent: $446,000 (approx. ₹3.88 crore)
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Annual increment: 5%, reaching $542,000 by Year 5
Hiring Spree Across Verticals
Ahead of the launch, Tesla has scaled up local hiring. Recent appointments include:
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Sales executives
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Store managers
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Vehicle operators
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Service staff
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Supply chain engineers
This indicates Tesla’s plan for a long-term operational presence in the country.
Imported Units Include Model Y Variants
Tesla’s shipment into India includes:
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5 units of Model Y (Standard) — $32,500 each
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1 unit of Model Y (Long Range) — $46,000
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Superchargers and support infrastructure
These are part of Tesla’s strategy to test market demand while policy discussions continue.
India’s EV Market: Challenge and Opportunity
Industry analysts describe Tesla’s strategy as a “wait-and-watch” entry:
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Offers global quality products
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Pays a premium in taxes
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Builds a brand before local production begins
Tied to India–U.S. Trade and Green Diplomacy
Tesla’s India move coincides with growing India–U.S. cooperation on technology and clean energy. The timing also strengthens:
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Geopolitical signaling on green technology partnerships
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India’s push for global EV leadership
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Possible future incentives for local manufacturing
Tesla’s showroom launch in Mumbai isn’t just about car sales. It reflects a broader shift in India’s position in global innovation, green mobility, and strategic technology partnerships.
“India is ready, and Tesla is finally here,” said one industry analyst, “but the real journey begins now.”
