Tesla Set to Open First India "Experience Centre" in Mumbai on July 15

Tesla, the American electric vehicle (EV) major led by Elon Musk, is poised to make its long-awaited foray into India’s automotive market with the launch of its first-ever physical presence in the country. According to Reuters, Tesla will inaugurate its India debut with an experience centre located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on 15 July 2025.

Mumbai Debut for Tesla’s Experience Centre 

This move will mark a significant milestone in Tesla’s India plans, which have been in the pipeline for several years. The Mumbai showroom will serve as Tesla’s flagship experience hub, introducing Indian consumers to the brand’s global lineup and technology, even as the company remains non-committal about manufacturing locally.

As per Bloomberg, 5 Tesla Model Y vehicles have already landed in Mumbai, having been shipped from the company’s Shanghai facility. These units were priced at ₹2.77 million each (approximately $31,988), and were subject to over ₹2.1 million in import duties, the result of India’s high 70% tariff on fully-built imported cars.

Tesla Not Pursuing ‘Make in India’, Confirms Minister

While the showroom launch is being seen as a strong signal of Tesla’s commitment to the Indian market, the central government has indicated that the company is not currently considering local manufacturing. 

Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, had earlier remarked to the news agency ANI, “Tesla, we are not actually expecting from them, they are only to start showrooms. They are not interested in manufacturing in India.”

Tesla’s reluctance to manufacture in India reportedly stems from its ongoing lobbying for a more favourable import duty structure. The company has long advocated for reduced tariffs on EVs, a demand that has delayed its entry in past years.

Tesla is significantly expanding its presence in India, actively recruiting across its charging, retail, and policy divisions. The company has already leased warehouse space in Karnataka and is in the process of securing more in Gurugram.

Also Read: VinFast and RoadGrid Join Forces for EV Charging and Servicing in India

Conclusion

With the opening of its Mumbai experience centre on 15 July, Tesla will take its first concrete step into the Indian market. While manufacturing may not be on the immediate agenda, this launch signals a measured but firm intent to establish a presence in the country. 

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