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

Tesla will formally enter the Indian market next week with the opening of its first showroom in Mumbai, reported Reuters. The company has imported electric vehicles and related merchandise worth nearly $1 million ahead of the launch, which is scheduled for July 15 at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai’s key commercial district.

Tesla said the event will mark the “launch of Tesla in India through the opening of the Tesla experience centre at Bandra Kurla Complex.”

Data from commercial shipping records between January and June shows that Tesla imported vehicles, Superchargers, and accessories into India, primarily from China and the U.S. The imported cars include six units of the Model Y, five of which were shipped at $32,500 each, while the long-range version was valued at $46,000, as per the Reuters report.

Tesla is bringing in these vehicles despite India’s high import duties—around 70%—on foreign EVs. The move comes as the carmaker faces production surpluses and slowing demand in other key markets.

The government has previously invited Tesla to manufacture in India, even drafting a new EV policy to support local production. Last year, Elon Musk was expected to announce a $2–3 billion investment in Indian operations during a planned visit, which was later cancelled.

Tesla has so far not committed to local manufacturing. According to officials, the company has indicated it prefers to sell imported vehicles in India for now.Earlier this year, Tesla listed several positions for its India operations. It has since filled roles in sales, service, and store management, and is currently hiring for supply chain and autonomous driving-related roles.Separately, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that if Tesla were to set up a plant in India to bypass U.S. tariffs, it would be “unfair” to the United States.

(With inputs from Reuters)