After years of speculation, Elon Musk-led electric car giant Tesla has officially launched operations in India. The company inaugurated its first showroom in Mumbai recently, marking a significant milestone in its entry into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market.
Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra Welcomes Tesla
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, publicly welcomed Tesla to India via social media. He reshared a 2017 tweet in which he had invited Tesla to enter the Indian market. In his post, he wrote, “Welcome Tesla and Musk to India. The world’s most exciting EV opportunity just got more thrilling. Innovation drives progress — the road is long, but it leads to transformation. See you at the charging stations.”
No Signs of Rivalry as Mahindra Applauds Innovation
Mahindra is one of India’s key players in the EV space. Despite the potential market competition posed by Tesla’s arrival, Anand Mahindra’s post has been viewed as a positive gesture. Netizens say this reflects Mahindra’s belief in “win for innovation” rather than rivalry. Industry watchers note that Tesla may struggle to match Mahindra’s cost-effective EV models in India, while Mahindra may face competition on the premium side.
A Throwback to 2017: Musk’s Delayed Prediction
Anand Mahindra’s post also includes a reply from Elon Musk in 2017, where Musk had predicted that electric cars would arrive in India by 2030. Netizens have pointed out that Musk’s estimate was off by several years and that India’s EV market has grown substantially before that deadline — a subtle message embedded in Mahindra’s tweet.
Tesla’s First Showroom in Mumbai, Delhi Showroom Next
Tesla’s first Indian showroom has opened at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. Spanning 4,000 square feet, the showroom showcases the Model Y, an electric midsize SUV. According to reports, Tesla is also planning to open a second showroom in Delhi by the end of this month.
Model Y Variants and Pricing in India
Tesla will launch two variants of the Model Y in India:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) priced at ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Long Range RWD priced at ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
The on-road price for the base model is expected to be around ₹61 lakh, while the long-range variant may cost up to ₹70 lakh.
Tesla’s Entry Sets the Stage for a New Phase in India’s EV Market
Tesla’s formal entry into India is seen as a major moment for the country’s EV landscape. With domestic players like Mahindra welcoming global competition, the Indian EV sector is poised for faster growth, greater innovation, and more diverse offerings.
