Tesla's First Showroom Opens in India: Only Model Y on Sale for Now

Tesla has officially entered the Indian market by opening its first showroom in Mumbai, marking a significant step in the country’s electric vehicle space. After years of speculation and negotiations, Tesla has finally brought its cars to India, starting with its popular electric SUV, the Model Y.

Where is Tesla’s First Showroom in India?

Tesla’s first showroom, also called an Experience Centre, has opened in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. This is one of the city’s premium business hubs and reflects Tesla’s plan to target the higher-end segment of buyers. The company plans to open a second showroom in Delhi soon.

Only Model Y on Sale for Now

For its initial launch, Tesla has decided to offer only the Model Y in India. The company will bring in completely built units (CBUs), which means these cars are imported fully assembled. Because of the heavy import duties in India, this makes the Model Y considerably more expensive than in many other markets.

Model Y Variants and Prices

• The standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Model Y is expected to be priced around ₹60 lakh.
• A Long-Range RWD version is expected to cost around ₹68 lakh.
• Customers can also opt for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software package for an extra cost, which brings additional autonomous driving features via software updates.
   

How to Book the Tesla Model Y in India

Customers can now book the Model Y through Tesla’s India website. The booking amount is set at ₹22,220. After booking, deliveries are expected to begin around August or September this year.

The process is straightforward and digital, similar to how Tesla operates globally. Buyers can select the variant, choose any add-ons, and complete the booking online.

What About Servicing and Support?

Tesla has hired local staff for its showrooms and upcoming service centres. The Mumbai Experience Centre will not just handle sales but will also start taking care of basic servicing needs.

More dedicated service facilities and roadside support are expected to roll out alongside future showroom openings in other cities. For charging, Tesla currently doesn’t have a wide Supercharger network in India. However, the company plans to gradually build up charging infrastructure in key urban areas and along major highways.

Why is the Price So High?

Since Tesla is currently importing its cars as fully built units, these vehicles attract around 70% import duty plus additional surcharges. This pushes up the final cost significantly compared to global prices. While the Indian government is trying to encourage EV adoption, it has not yet provided the level of duty cuts specifically for fully imported electric vehicles that Tesla was hoping for.

This is why Tesla is beginning with a premium strategy in India, focusing on customers who are willing to pay a higher price for the brand and technology.

Is Tesla Planning Local Manufacturing?

For now, Tesla has not confirmed any local manufacturing or assembly in India. The company wants to first test the market and build brand presence through imported models. Depending on the response and on future talks with the Indian government over incentives, Tesla may explore local assembly or even set up a manufacturing plant later.

What Does This Mean for Indian Buyers?

Tesla’s entry into India is an important moment for the country’s electric vehicle market. While the prices are high right now due to imports, it introduces Indian buyers to one of the world’s most advanced electric cars. It also puts pressure on other car makers to bring more feature-rich EVs into the Indian market.

For now, the Model Y will mainly attract enthusiasts and premium buyers. But in the long run, as Tesla expands and possibly localises, prices could come down and make these cars accessible to a larger group of buyers.

Conclusion

Tesla has opened its first showroom in India at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, officially starting its operations in the country. The company is beginning by selling only the Model Y SUV, which will be available in multiple variants, with prices starting around ₹60 lakh due to high import duties. Bookings have already started online with deliveries expected by late August or September. While full-fledged local servicing and charging infrastructure are still in the early stages, Tesla plans to expand these as it grows in India.