Tesla is all set to launch in India, with the electric carmaker opening its first experience centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15, 2025. This marks Tesla’s long-awaited entry into the world’s third-largest car market, despite CEO Elon Musk’s previous concerns over India’s steep import duties.
Gearing-up towards the launch, Tesla has imported vehicles and accessories worth nearly $1 million between January and June. The imports include six Model Y SUVs, with five valued at $32,500 (approx. 28 lakhs) each and one long-range version at $46,000 (approx. 39.5 lakhs), along with Superchargers and merchandise – mostly brought in from China and the U.S.
Although the Indian government has been courting Tesla for years with offers to localize production, Tesla currently has no plans to manufacture in India. Instead, the company is opting to sell imported vehicles, which will face a high import duty of around 70 percent.
This move comes at a time when Tesla is facing slowing global sales and excess manufacturing capacity, prompting it to test new markets through imports.
Tesla had previously signaled a larger investment of $2–$3 billion in India, and Elon Musk was expected to visit the country last year to make the announcement. However, that trip was cancelled at the last minute.
In preparation for the India launch, Tesla has been hiring actively, filling positions across sales, service, store management, and even supply chain and autopilot operations.
With this showroom opening, Indian EV enthusiasts will finally get a closer look at Tesla’s products, starting with the Model Y, as the company begins testing the waters in the Indian market.
