Tesla Enters Mumbai

Ratnakant Pawar

Tesla Enters Mumbai Eknath Shinde Takes the First Ride in Model Y

Car, EV

Tesla Enters Mumbai: Tesla has finally entered the Indian market — and it’s making a stylish debut in Mumbai. Just a day after opening its first showroom in India, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was seen driving a Tesla Model Y outside the state assembly. This wasn’t just a casual test drive — it marked a big moment for India’s electric vehicle (EV) journey.

A Tesla Showroom in the Heart of Mumbai

Tesla opened its first official showroom in India on July 15, 2025, at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. The location isn’t random — BKC is one of Mumbai’s most premium business districts, and the showroom, spread over 4,000 square feet, is designed to attract high-end EV buyers and Tesla fans.

Inside the showroom, visitors can explore the Tesla Model Y, experience its features up close, and even take it for a test drive. For now, the focus is entirely on this one model, which is already a global bestseller.

Shinde’s Tesla Spin at Vidhan Bhavan

On July 16, Eknath Shinde made headlines by taking the Model Y for a short drive outside the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. The sleek, Pearl White electric SUV slowly cruised through a crowd of media personnel and security staff as the Deputy CM took the wheel with a smile.

He called Tesla’s India debut a “big deal” and said Maharashtra is ready to welcome more such international investments, thanks to its investor-friendly policies and EV push.

Model Y Pricing and Features in India

Tesla’s Model Y is being launched in two variants for Indian buyers:

  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – ₹59.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
  • Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – ₹67.90 lakh (ex-showroom)

That’s premium pricing, and it’s mainly because Tesla is currently importing the vehicles, not making them locally. Import duties in India are high — and that reflects in the final price tag.

Despite the price, the Model Y brings some seriously impressive features:

  • Up to 533 km of range (WLTP for Long Range)
  • Tesla’s signature 15-inch touchscreen
  • Over-the-air software updates
  • Sleek interiors with panoramic glass roof
  • 0-100 km/h in just 5 seconds

For tech lovers and early adopters, it’s a tempting package.

Political Heat Over Tesla’s Entry

The launch wasn’t without drama. Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, criticized Eknath Shinde’s public drive, calling it a “publicity stunt.” He pointed out that Tesla was interested in entering India as far back as 2021, but faced roadblocks due to high import taxes and a lack of policy clarity from the central government.

Thackeray also mentioned that Tesla had once hoped to bring EVs to India for under ₹25 lakh, but delays and policy issues pushed the price up to nearly ₹60 lakh, putting it out of reach for the average buyer.

What Tesla Means for the Indian EV Market

Tesla’s entry — even with imported cars — is a big milestone for India’s EV industry. Here’s why it matters:

  • It sets a new benchmark for quality and technology in electric vehicles.
  • It pushes other automakers, both Indian and global, to raise their game.
  • It could encourage the Indian government to rethink EV import duties and fast-track local manufacturing policies.

More importantly, it sends a strong signal to the world: India is serious about EVs.

What’s Next?

Tesla is planning to open more showrooms in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Deliveries of the Model Y are expected to begin by the end of 2025, and if demand is strong, we might see other models like the Model 3 or even a new affordable EV entering the market.

There are also rumors that Tesla might set up a gigafactory in India in the future. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are all in the race to host it.

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Is tesla push EV In india

Tesla’s Mumbai debut is more than just another luxury car launch — it’s a symbol of India stepping into a cleaner, smarter automotive future. With growing interest in EVs and more supportive policies, Tesla’s presence could be the push India’s EV ecosystem needs.

And seeing a leader like Eknath Shinde behind the wheel of a Tesla? That just makes the message louder — the future is electric, and it’s already here

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