Mumbai, July 2025 – After years of anticipation, Elon Musk’s electric vehicle giant Tesla has officially launched in India, marking a significant milestone for the country’s premium EV market. The company inaugurated its first showroom in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), located inside Maker Maxity Mall.
Tesla Debuts with Model Y
At present, Tesla will retail only one model in India — the Model Y SUV, priced at $69,770 (approx. ₹59.87 lakh). The company has already shipped six Model Y units from its Shanghai factory to Mumbai for display and demonstration purposes.
Tesla is expected to begin customer deliveries from August 1, while other models, including the more affordable Model 3, are expected to arrive later in 2025.
India Launch Teased on X
The launch had been subtly teased on X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, with a “Coming Soon” graphic hinting at the EV brand’s Indian debut in July 2025.
Price Disparities Across Countries
The Tesla Model Y, though retailing at $69,770 in India, is significantly cheaper in other markets:
USA: $44,990
China: ¥263,500 (≈ $36,700)
Germany: €45,970 (≈ $53,700)
The steep Indian pricing is largely due to import duties, which currently stand at around 70%. As a result, Indian consumers may end up paying nearly $56,000 or more per car compared to international buyers.
High Hopes for India’s Luxury EV Market
Tesla’s entry positions it directly against other premium automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, who are also expanding their EV lineups in India. The company aims to tap into India’s growing demand for electric vehicles, particularly among urban, environmentally conscious buyers.
Reports suggest that Tesla has imported vehicles, chargers, and accessories worth nearly $1 million, mostly from China and the US, in preparation for its Indian rollout.
As Tesla finally plants its flag in the world’s third-largest car market, industry observers and EV enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how the brand reshapes the premium electric vehicle segment in India.