Tesla to Begin First India Deliveries in August
After years of anticipation, Elon Musk's Tesla Inc. is set to make its formal entry into the Indian market. The electric vehicle giant will open its first showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday, with the first customer deliveries expected to begin as early as late August. This launch marks a crucial step for Tesla as it looks to tap into the potential of the world's third-largest automobile market.
Prospective customers will soon have access to official pricing, variant details, and trim options. According to sources familiar with the plans, customers will be able to configure and order their vehicles starting next week.
Launch Plan and Showroom Access
The first showroom, located in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, will initially focus on VIPs and business partners for its first week of operations. The general public will be granted access the following week. A second showroom in New Delhi is also expected to open in late July.
The first batch of cars to arrive in the country are Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs, which have been imported from Tesla's factory in China.
Pricing and Market Challenges
The Model Y is the world's best-selling electric car, but its success in India will be tested by the country's high import duties. These hefty tariffs have been a major point of contention and a key reason for Tesla's delayed entry.
Documents reviewed by Bloomberg News show that the imported Model Y units have a declared value of approximately ₹27.7 lakh ($32,270) each. After applying India's 70% import tariff and other surcharges, the final selling price is expected to be at a substantial premium compared to its cost in other markets. This pricing strategy will be a critical factor in determining consumer acceptance and Tesla's long-term success in India.
