— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 15, 2025 Despite the premium pricing, Tesla aims to tap into India’s luxury EV market, which currently includes offerings from German automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Industry analysts believe Tesla’s brand appeal and global reputation for cutting-edge technology could help it carve a niche among affluent, urban Indian buyers. India’s EV sector is still in a nascent stage, with electric vehicles accounting for around 4% of total car sales. However, the government is targeting 30% EV penetration by 2030 through a mix of incentives, policy support, and infrastructure development. Tesla’s arrival comes as the government continues to encourage foreign EV makers to invest and set up operations in the country. Tesla’s current retail strategy involves importing vehicles from its overseas factories, likely including its Gigafactory at Shanghai in China. The company recently leased over 24,000 square feet of warehouse space at Lodha Logistics Park near Mumbai, further reinforcing its commitment to building local operational infrastructure. Coinciding with Tesla’s India debut, Vietnamese EV firm VinFast also opened bookings for its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs on the same day, underscoring the growing interest among global EV manufacturers in the Indian market. VinFast’s plant in Tamil Nadu is expected to begin operations soon, offering further competition in the premium EV space. As Tesla kickstarts its Indian operations, all eyes are now on how the company navigates the country’s regulatory landscape, addresses pricing challenges, and engages with policymakers on the possibility of local production. For now, its presence in Mumbai has ignited fresh momentum in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem—and signals that the world’s leading EV brand is finally here. The sleek Mumbai showroom is Tesla’s first physical retail presence in India and is expected to be the launchpad for further expansion into other major cities, including New Delhi. The store prominently features the Tesla logo in black against a minimalist white backdrop, with a Model Y SUV displayed behind glass panels that drew curious onlookers ahead of the official launch.