Tesla India Launch: Showrooms, Prices and Local Manufacturing Plans Revealed

If you had dreamt of owning and driving a Tesla in India, you might be in luck (finally!). Tesla has been selling its electric cars in the neighbouring countries of Malaysia, Thailand, China and Singapore for some time now. India – a market with a huge potential for electric vehicles – has been awaiting Elon Musk’s prized creations for over a decade. Thankfully, Tesla’s Indian arm seems to be undergoing some activity ever since the meeting between the Indian PM Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. 

Based on a new report from The Economic Times, Tesla is apparently setting up shop in India and the wait is shorter than expected. Tesla’s entire electric vehicle lineup will be headed for India but Indians could be paying a lot more than the rest of the world – thanks to the disagreement on lowering import tax rates on CBUs. 

Tesla isn’t setting up a manufacturing facility in India for the initial phase of its Indian chapter. However, a manufacturing plant is on the cards and based on the initial demand, Musk will take a call on whether to bring the rest of its vehicles and products to our shores. 

Additionally, we also have some idea about the expected pricing of its vehicles and the after-sales service situation. 

Tesla fans, sit down and read on. 

Tesla India launch: When are the cars going on sale?

As early as April 2025! 

Based on the report, it is said that Tesla is eager to begin its India sales and related operations as early as April 2025. Since Musk and Tesla’s executives couldn’t get the Indian government to lower the import duties for electric cars, Tesla is in no mood to waste precious time and cede a tactical advantage to China’s BYD – Tesla’s fiercest rival that has found solid footing in its early stages in the Indian market. 

That said, it is worth noting that Tesla is yet to announce anything formally. 

How will Tesla sell its cars in India?

Via the Completely Built-Up Units (CBU) route. Tesla is in no mood to set up a manufacturing plant prior to beginning sales in the country. Hence, the brand is eager to begin its India sales by importing some of its popular models. While that directly translates to increased initial prices, Tesla could figure out ways to absorb the difference in prices and keep its vehicles competitive with similar offerings from BYD, Mercedes Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. 

Where will the first showrooms be established?

The first Tesla showrooms will be set up in the prime metro cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. The showroom in Delhi will be located in the high-profile area of Aerocity whereas the Mumbai counterpart will be established in the posh Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) area. 

Will these retail centres offer after-sales services?

So far, the answer seems negative. The retail spaces in Delhi and Mumbai will only sell the cars. It is expected that Tesla will set up service centres in different parts of the cities to service its clients as well as offer repairs and spare parts. 

Will Tesla establish a Supercharger network in these cities?

The reports don’t mention any development on the Supercharger network. We expect Tesla to have Supercharger stations in its retail spaces and slowly establish more of them across the prime areas of the cities. Tesla could rely on the existing charging stations from other brands to help its consumers move around along with setting up fast home chargers. 

Which Tesla cars will come to India?

We expect Tesla to follow a similar sales strategy for India as Malaysia and Thailand. Hence, the first Tesla vehicle for India could be the updated Model 3 sedan followed by the new Model Y electric crossover SUV. The Model 3’s single-motor RWD variant could be offered alongside the dual-motor AWD variant with higher range figures, expected to carry a starting price of over INR 50 lakh. The same could be said for the Model Y variant, which could command a premium and compete with the BYD Sealion 7 SUV. 

What remains to be seen is whether Tesla will be able to activate its much sought-after Self-Driving features and advanced connectivity options. 

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