Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on July 15 at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), officially launching its entry into the world’s third-largest car market. The U.S. electric vehicle maker has imported nearly $1 million worth of cars, Superchargers, and accessories—primarily from China and the U.S.—ahead of the launch, despite long-standing concerns from CEO Elon Musk over India’s steep import duties, reports Reuters.
Custom records from January to June reveal that Tesla has shipped six of its Model Y vehicles, with values ranging from $32,500 to $46,000, along with charging infrastructure. While India’s government has actively courted Tesla—including offering new EV-friendly policies—Tesla has no immediate plans to manufacture locally, citing overcapacity at its existing factories and slowing global sales.
The company has begun hiring in India for key roles such as store managers, sales and service staff, and supply chain engineers, signaling a growing interest in establishing an operational footprint. However, without local production, the company will face import tariffs of up to 70%, making its cars significantly more expensive for Indian buyers. Despite this, Tesla is moving forward with its experience centre strategy, aiming to test market demand before making further investment decisions.
