It’s a big day for the Indian automotive industry as Tesla finally enters the market today. The Elon Musk-led company is setting up its first showroom in the country today at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. This will be followed by a second showroom in Delhi sometime later this year.
The Mumbai-based experience centre represents Tesla’s first physical footprint in India, following years of negotiations and a delayed market entry. Spanning 3,000 square feet and situated near India’s inaugural Apple Store, the sleek facility serves as a comprehensive hub where customers can explore Tesla’s electric vehicle range, including various models, features, and trim configurations.
The showroom inauguration is most likely to be a grand affair with attendees including noted industrialists, celebrities, and politicians. However, the new Tesla experience centre will be thrown open for the general public only after a week. Previous reports have indicated that customers can start configuring and placing orders for their vehicles as early as next week, with deliveries anticipated to commence by the end of August.
Tesla in India: Model Y launched
The first Tesla to launch in India will be the Model Y, which is likely to be the brand’s mainstay in the country for the while. The company has already listed the battery-powered crossover in the India website which will be available in two variants — Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
The former is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh while the latter is available at Rs 67.89 lakh (both ex-showroom). The Long Range RWD version delivers an estimated range of 574 km (EPA) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.4 seconds. The Long Range AWD model, equipped with dual motors, provides a range of 527 km and achieves 0 to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds.
Tesla in India: Other EVs expected
The second model to arrive in India is most likely the Model 3 which is also the most affordable car in the Tesla lineup. The Tesla Model 3 features a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery and is available in three variants: Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance. It comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction and delivers a maximum range of up to 315 miles (507 km) on a single charge. The Performance variant offers impressive acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 162 kmph, combining dynamic performance with energy efficiency.
In the U.S., the Tesla Model 3 is currently priced at $29,990 (approximately Rs 25.99 lakh). If imported to India under a reduced 15 percent import duty, the estimated ex-showroom price would be around Rs 29.79 lakh. However, after including local taxes and additional levies, the final on-road cost could rise to approximately Rs 40 lakh.
Eight Tesla models and variants have received homologation certification in India so far. In total, the company has brought in nine units for certification purposes, besides merchandise valued at around $1 million. For now, Tesla has chosen to bypass the government’s new EV manufacturing incentive scheme by importing these models from China. That said, it looks unlikely that Tesla will establish a manufacturing facility in India anytime soon.
