Tesla is set to make its long-awaited official entry into the Indian market with the launch of its first retail store—an “experience centre”—at Jio World Drive in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15. The 4,000-square-foot showroom, located near Apple’s flagship Mumbai store, marks a significant milestone for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant as it seeks to tap into India’s rapidly growing EV market after nearly a decade of planning and anticipation.
The Mumbai experience centre will allow visitors to explore Tesla’s electric cars and related technologies, although test drives and customer deliveries are not expected at launch. Ahead of the opening, Tesla has imported several Model Y units, which have been spotted in Mumbai bearing temporary Karnataka registration plates for testing purposes. The company has also brought in Superchargers and accessories, signaling its intent to support early adopters.
Tesla’s expansion in India extends beyond retail. The company has leased a service centre in Kurla West, Mumbai, set up an engineering hub in Pune, established a registered office in Bengaluru, and operates a temporary office near BKC. Active hiring for store managers, service advisors, and technicians is underway to build out its local team.
Despite its growing presence, Tesla has not committed to local manufacturing in India. Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy recently confirmed that Tesla’s immediate focus is on importing and selling vehicles, not producing them domestically. High import duties—up to 100%—mean that Tesla’s cars will remain positioned in the luxury segment, with the on-road price of the Model Y expected to exceed ₹46 lakh.
The Mumbai launch is expected to be followed by a second experience centre in Delhi’s Aerocity, as Tesla gradually builds out its retail and service network in India. The company’s Indian operations are currently overseen by its China-based team, following the recent resignation of India head Prashanth Menon.
Tesla’s entry into India comes at a time of slowing global EV demand and increased competition. While the company has not yet committed to manufacturing locally, its retail-focused strategy signals a cautious but significant step into the world’s third-largest car market.
With the Mumbai store opening on July 15, Indian consumers will finally get a first-hand look at Tesla’s vehicles and technology—ushering in a new chapter for the country’s EV landscape.