First showroom sets the tone
Tesla Begins India Journey with BKC Showroom Launch: Tesla has launched its first showroom in India at Maker Maxity Mall, located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This marks a major turning point in India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. The company has introduced two variants of the Model Y, starting at ₹59.89 lakh.
Strategic entry after years of anticipation
Tesla’s debut comes after long-standing policy discussions. India, now the third-largest automobile market, has seen a steady rise in EV demand. Supportive state policies and increasing awareness about clean energy played a crucial role in Tesla choosing India.
The location at BKC, a premium commercial zone, reflects Tesla’s focus on an affluent customer base and high-visibility zones.
Vehicles, features and offerings
Tesla India’s first offering includes two Model Y variants:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 500 km range, priced at ₹59.89 lakh.
- Long-Range All-Wheel Drive: 622 km range, priced at ₹67.89 lakh.
Color options include Ultra Red and Pearl White. Deliveries for RWD begin in December 2025, and the long-range variant will follow in March 2026.
Customers can book cars through the Tesla Experience Centre and get a wall connector charger included. Additionally, Tesla is planning 16 Supercharger stations across Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including BKC and Navi Mumbai.
Static GK fact: Tesla was founded in 2003 by engineers including Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, but Elon Musk joined as an early investor and later became its CEO.
Safety and tech highlights
The India-specific Model Y includes advanced safety features like:
- Emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
However, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is not enabled in India due to current regulatory restrictions.
Cost barriers and policy hopes
India’s import duty on luxury EVs can reach up to 70%, making Tesla’s pricing significantly higher than in the US or China. Currently, the Model Y is imported from Tesla’s Shanghai plant.
Tesla is in ongoing talks with the Indian government regarding local manufacturing, which could help reduce costs and enable broader market access.
Static GK Tip: As per the Indian government’s FAME II scheme, EV incentives are mainly available to electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses, not to imported luxury cars.
Long-term implications
India’s luxury EV segment is still small—EVs form less than 5% of total car sales, and luxury vehicles make up just 1%. Yet, growing policy support and a young, urban consumer base may help Tesla thrive over time.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has praised Tesla’s arrival, calling it a market-changing event and reaffirming Mumbai’s place in India’s clean energy future.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tesla Begins India Journey with BKC Showroom Launch:
| Topic | Detail |
| Tesla India showroom | Launched at Maker Maxity Mall, BKC, Mumbai |
| Model Y price (RWD) | ₹59.89 lakh |
| Model Y range (long-range) | 622 km |
| Tesla charger stations plan | 16 Superchargers in Mumbai region |
| Delivery dates | RWD from Dec 2025; Long-range from March 2026 |
| Import source | Tesla Shanghai plant |
| Indian EV penetration | Less than 5% |
| Import tariffs on EVs | Up to 70% |
| Tesla wall charger offer | Free with booking |
| Maharashtra CM’s statement | Called Tesla’s launch “market-changing” |
