Tesla to open first India experience centre in Mumbai on July 15

Tesla will debut in India on July 15 with its first experience centre in Mumbai, showcasing EVs and technology amid high import duties and no commitment yet to local manufacturing.

Tesla is set to formally enter the Indian market next week with the opening of its first experience centre in Mumbai on July 15, marking a significant milestone for the US-based electric vehicle (EV) giant after years of speculation and planning.

Located at Jio World Drive in the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai’s leading business district, the 4,000 sq. ft. showroom will offer visitors a chance to explore Tesla’s electric cars and related technologies. However, test drives and vehicle deliveries are not expected to be available initially.

Ahead of the launch, Tesla has imported nearly $1 million worth of vehicles, Superchargers, and accessories into India, sourced primarily from China and the United States. Among the imports are six units of the company’s popular Model Y SUV, with five vehicles shipped at $32,500 each and one long-range variant valued at $46,000.

Despite establishing a physical presence in the country, Tesla has yet to commit to setting up local manufacturing facilities. India imposes high import duties on foreign EVs, around 70% to 100% depending on the vehicle’s value, which has been a sticking point for Tesla’s plans. Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy recently confirmed that Tesla has shown no concrete interest in producing vehicles locally, preferring instead to sell imported models.

The company’s operations in India are currently overseen by its China team, following the resignation of Tesla’s India head, Prashanth Menon, last month. No successor has been announced yet.

Tesla now has four known commercial sites in India, including the new Mumbai showroom, a service centre in Kurla West, an engineering hub in Pune, and its registered office in Bengaluru. The company also operates a temporary office near the BKC area.

The move to open in India comes as Tesla grapples with slowing global demand and excess production capacity. Last year, CEO Elon Musk was expected to announce a $2–3 billion investment during a planned visit to India, but the trip was cancelled.

Tesla has been hiring for various roles in India across sales, service, store management, supply chain, and autonomous driving operations, signaling a gradual build-up of its local team.

India, the world’s third-largest car market, has long sought to attract Tesla with policy incentives for local EV manufacturing, but the automaker remains cautious, opting for a retail-focused entry for now.

Shares of Tesla have fallen over 23% in the past six months as the company faces increasing competition and softening demand in key markets.

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