Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first Experience Centre at Mumbai’s upscale Jio World Drive. More than just a retail showroom, the facility serves as a full-service 3S hub — handling sales, service, and spares — and is operated directly by Tesla, signaling the company’s serious intent in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging automotive markets.
In the lead-up to the opening, multiple units of the Model Y and Model 3, imported from the United States and China, arrived in Mumbai. While these are the first Tesla vehicles to be showcased for Indian customers, import duties of nearly 70% will place them well above their U.S. price points, positioning them squarely in the luxury bracket. Deliveries are expected to commence by late August.
Tesla’s India debut comes as the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market crosses a key threshold, with EVs now accounting for over 5% of new car sales. However, the road ahead is complex. The premium segment remains niche, constituting less than 2% of the total car market, and Tesla currently has no plans for local manufacturing, which could limit its appeal in a price-sensitive landscape.
Industry watchers note that Tesla’s brand equity and technological allure give it a unique edge. But real success may depend on its ability to convert early excitement into sustainable demand, especially beyond its base of tech-savvy enthusiasts and early adopters.
With its Mumbai centre as a launchpad, Tesla is now testing the waters of the Indian market — a long-anticipated move that could reshape the country’s EV narrative or serve as a case study in the challenges of premium electric mobility in emerging economies.
