Tesla is finally here. The company opened its first official showroom at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, one of the city’s busiest commercial spots. It’s called the Tesla Experience Centre and gives people a chance to get close to Tesla’s tech and cars.
For now, the main attraction is the Model Y. The rear-wheel drive version costs Rs 59.89 lakh on the road, while the long-range rear-wheel drive starts at Rs 67.89 lakh.
Mahindra welcomes the competition
Anand Mahindra wasted no time sharing his thoughts. Posting on X, he wrote, “Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla. One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.”
He added, “Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead. Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station.”
Mahindra didn’t stop there. He shared an old exchange with Musk, dating back eight years. Back then, Musk praised India’s plan to sell only electric cars by 2030. Mahindra had replied, “Time you got out here Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra do you? The more the merrier and greener..!” To which Musk simply said, “Good point.”
Maharashtra backs Tesla’s plans
The launch wasn’t just about cars. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis opened the new space at Bandra Kurla Complex. He told the audience, “We wish to see research and development and manufacturing being done in India. I am sure Tesla will think about it at an appropriate stage. Consider Maharashtra as a partner in your journey.”
He called Tesla “not just a car company, it is all about design, innovation and sustainability, that is why it is loved globally.” He remembered his first Tesla drive in the US back in 2015. “It has taken almost 10 years, but we are very happy that you are finally here.”
Fadnavis also highlighted that Maharashtra is ready. “We are also a manufacturing hub. Our policies for charging infrastructure, vehicle promotion, and incentives for manufacturing are among the best. This is a good beginning and has the potential to transform the market.”
Early days, but no local factory yet
Industry watchers believe Tesla’s first Model Y batch has come from its China plant. To handle cars and spares, the company leased a warehouse of over 24,000 square feet at Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai.
Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy recently made it clear Tesla is not building cars in India yet. The focus is sales and service. He said so back in June.
Meanwhile, Tesla has been busy ticking the legal boxes. Last week, the company got a trade certificate from Mumbai’s Andheri RTO. It lets Tesla run test drives and sales using unregistered cars under India’s Motor Vehicles Rules.
Tariffs still a sticking point
Tesla’s entry comes at a time when the company is facing slower sales in Europe and China. India could help make up for that. But there’s a catch. Import duties here push the price nearly double compared to what buyers pay in the US or Europe.
Tesla has asked for duty relief before. Elon Musk even delayed his India visit last year while Tesla lobbied for lower customs duty. The company wanted a 70 percent cut for EVs under $40,000 and a full waiver for pricier models.
The Indian government didn’t budge. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal repeated this year that India’s EV policy will stay broad to attract many players, not favour one.
Adding to the noise, US President Donald Trump recently said it would be “unfair” to America if Tesla built a plant in India to dodge tariffs.
The new Mumbai showroom reflects Tesla’s global image. White walls, a simple layout and lightboxes show off the brand’s tech. There are touches of Indian design too. Architect Neeta Sharada led the project.
So far, Tesla’s pitch is simple. Look, test, buy. The next big question is whether Tesla will roll out local production in India or stick to imports.
For now, Anand Mahindra’s challenge stands. The electric car race in India just got interesting.
For now, the main attraction is the Model Y. The rear-wheel drive version costs Rs 59.89 lakh on the road, while the long-range rear-wheel drive starts at Rs 67.89 lakh.
Mahindra welcomes the competition
Anand Mahindra wasted no time sharing his thoughts. Posting on X, he wrote, “Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla. One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.”
He added, “Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead. Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station.”
Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 15, 2025
One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.
Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead.
Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station. pic.twitter.com/7Uh2ziV0fp
Mahindra didn’t stop there. He shared an old exchange with Musk, dating back eight years. Back then, Musk praised India’s plan to sell only electric cars by 2030. Mahindra had replied, “Time you got out here Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra do you? The more the merrier and greener..!” To which Musk simply said, “Good point.”
Maharashtra backs Tesla’s plans
The launch wasn’t just about cars. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis opened the new space at Bandra Kurla Complex. He told the audience, “We wish to see research and development and manufacturing being done in India. I am sure Tesla will think about it at an appropriate stage. Consider Maharashtra as a partner in your journey.”
He called Tesla “not just a car company, it is all about design, innovation and sustainability, that is why it is loved globally.” He remembered his first Tesla drive in the US back in 2015. “It has taken almost 10 years, but we are very happy that you are finally here.”
Fadnavis also highlighted that Maharashtra is ready. “We are also a manufacturing hub. Our policies for charging infrastructure, vehicle promotion, and incentives for manufacturing are among the best. This is a good beginning and has the potential to transform the market.”
Early days, but no local factory yet
Industry watchers believe Tesla’s first Model Y batch has come from its China plant. To handle cars and spares, the company leased a warehouse of over 24,000 square feet at Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai.
Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy recently made it clear Tesla is not building cars in India yet. The focus is sales and service. He said so back in June.
Meanwhile, Tesla has been busy ticking the legal boxes. Last week, the company got a trade certificate from Mumbai’s Andheri RTO. It lets Tesla run test drives and sales using unregistered cars under India’s Motor Vehicles Rules.
Tariffs still a sticking point
Tesla’s entry comes at a time when the company is facing slower sales in Europe and China. India could help make up for that. But there’s a catch. Import duties here push the price nearly double compared to what buyers pay in the US or Europe.
Tesla has asked for duty relief before. Elon Musk even delayed his India visit last year while Tesla lobbied for lower customs duty. The company wanted a 70 percent cut for EVs under $40,000 and a full waiver for pricier models.
The Indian government didn’t budge. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal repeated this year that India’s EV policy will stay broad to attract many players, not favour one.
Adding to the noise, US President Donald Trump recently said it would be “unfair” to America if Tesla built a plant in India to dodge tariffs.
The new Mumbai showroom reflects Tesla’s global image. White walls, a simple layout and lightboxes show off the brand’s tech. There are touches of Indian design too. Architect Neeta Sharada led the project.
So far, Tesla’s pitch is simple. Look, test, buy. The next big question is whether Tesla will roll out local production in India or stick to imports.
For now, Anand Mahindra’s challenge stands. The electric car race in India just got interesting.
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