Tesla is finally making its long-anticipated debut in India with the opening of its first showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday, with customer deliveries expected to begin by late August, according to people familiar with the matter.
This marks the official entry of Elon Musk’s electric vehicle (EV) company into the world’s third-largest automobile market, a move seen as critical to Tesla’s global strategy amid a slowdown in sales across key regions.
According to sources and internal documents reviewed by Bloomberg, the Mumbai showroom will offer complete information on pricing, model variants, and trim options to prospective buyers. Customers will be able to configure and place orders for Tesla vehicles beginning next week.
The first batch of cars — Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs manufactured at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory — has already arrived in India. The Model Y is the world’s best-selling electric car, and its reception in India is expected to provide key insights into consumer appetite for premium EVs in a high-tariff market.
Another showroom in New Delhi is reportedly set to open by the end of July, further cementing Tesla’s footprint in the country.
One of Tesla’s biggest hurdles to entering the Indian market has been the country’s high import tariffs, which significantly raise the price of foreign-made vehicles.
According to Bloomberg, five Model Y units were declared at around ₹27.7 lakh ($32,270) each. With India imposing a 70% import duty on EVs priced below $40,000, plus additional surcharges, the vehicles are expected to retail at a much higher price point than their U.S. MSRP of around $46,630.
Despite the cost barrier, Tesla is betting on India’s growing interest in electric mobility and premium automotive brands.
The first week of operations at the Mumbai showroom will be reserved for VIPs and business partners, with general public access beginning the following week, said individuals with knowledge of the matter.
Tesla has not officially commented on the India launch timeline, and inquiries sent to company representatives have not yet been answered.
The launch comes as Tesla seeks to reinvigorate global sales following a disappointing second quarter that contradicted CEO Elon Musk’s earlier assertions of recovery. The move into India not only opens a new frontier for the company but also offers a chance to diversify away from reliance on traditional Western markets.
As the Indian EV market continues to grow, Tesla’s performance here may set the tone for further expansion in other developing economies.
