From Tweets to Test Drives: The Real History of How Tesla Came to Mumbai

The journey of Tesla in Mumbai didn’t happen overnight. It took years of planning, negotiation, and global attention before the world’s most talked-about electric car brand finally opened its first showroom in India. This blog breaks down the real, fact-checked timeline of how Tesla entered the Indian market—and why Mumbai became its first stop.

🔹 2014–2019: The Curiosity Begins

• Indian fans started asking Elon Musk about Tesla’s India launch as early as 2014 on Twitter (now X).
• Elon Musk responded multiple times, saying high import duties made India “the hardest country” for Tesla to enter.

Source: Elon Musk on X (2019)

🔹 2021: Tesla Registers Indian Company

• In January 2021, Tesla officially registered Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru.
• The company began hiring for roles in sales, legal, and infrastructure.
• It was seen as the first serious sign that Tesla would enter India soon.

Source: Bloomberg (2021)

🔹 2021–2023: Talks with the Government

• Tesla wanted to test demand with imported cars first, but India wanted local manufacturing.
• Import duties were up to 100%, doubling car prices.
• Elon Musk paused plans, saying Tesla could not set up a plant without knowing demand.

Source: Reuters (2022)

🔹 2024: Green Light & Retail-First Strategy

• The Indian government adjusted EV policies to allow Tesla to import limited cars at lower duties if it promised to invest later.
• Tesla began quietly preparing showrooms and offices in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru.
• In early 2025, six Tesla Model Y units were imported for demo and testing.

Source: NDTV Auto (2025)

🔹 July 15, 2025: Tesla Showroom Opens in Mumbai

• The first Tesla Experience Centre was launched at Maker Maxity Mall, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
• The event was inaugurated by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who invited Tesla to set up R&D and a factory in the state.
• The Model Y was launched in two variants: RWD (₹59.9 lakh) and Long Range RWD (₹67.9 lakh).

Source: AP News (2025)

People Also Ask

• When did Tesla enter India?
  Tesla registered its company in India in January 2021 and launched officially in July 2025.
• Why did it take so long for Tesla to come to India?
  High import taxes and lack of EV policy support caused delays.
• Who opened the Tesla showroom in Mumbai?
  Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis did the inauguration at BKC.
• Is Tesla building a factory in India?
  Not yet, but discussions are ongoing. A future plant is possible.
• Which was Tesla’s first car launched in India?
  The Model Y, in two versions: RWD and Long Range.

Conclusion

The arrival of Tesla in Mumbai is not just a car launch—it’s the result of over a decade of demand, dreams, and global attention. With the Model Y now on Indian roads and Superchargers being installed, Tesla has finally taken its first big step. And it all began with a few tweets and a lot of patience.