Tesla to Establish 8 Charging Stations in India, Capable of Charging 252 Cars Simultaneously; Faces Competition from Tata and Mahindra
Mumbai, July 2025 – Global electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first showroom at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Alongside this, the company unveiled its most popular compact electric SUV, the Model Y, priced from ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, Tesla has opened a nearby service center and warehouse, just 6 km from the store.
In a significant step toward strengthening EV infrastructure, Tesla announced the setup of 8 fast-charging stations in Mumbai and Delhi. These stations will have a combined capacity to charge 252 electric vehicles simultaneously. The company also plans to launch more models and open additional stores in other major Indian cities.
With this aggressive expansion strategy, Tesla has sent a clear message to existing market leaders like Tata Motors and Mahindra — it is ready to compete head-on in India’s growing EV market.
Why Tesla Entered India: Market Potential, EV Policy Support, and Premium Demand
Tesla’s India entry is driven by several strategic factors:
Declining Global Sales, Need for New Markets
In 2024, Tesla witnessed a significant drop in global sales — with a 76% decline in Germany and 55% in Italy. Meanwhile, India — the world’s third-largest automobile market — offers untapped potential, with EVs currently accounting for only around 5% of total vehicle sales. The Indian EV market saw sales of 99,165 units in 2024, reflecting a 19.93% year-on-year growth.
Favorable New EV Policy
According to India’s 2024 EV policy, if a company invests ₹4,150 crore in the Indian EV sector and begins local production within 3 years, the import duty on EVs can be reduced from 100% to just 15%. This opens the door for Tesla to import vehicles like the Model Y at lower duties while preparing for local manufacturing in the future.
Rising Demand for Premium EVs
With a growing affluent middle class in India, the demand for luxury electric vehicles is on the rise. Tesla’s Model Y (₹59.89 – ₹67.89 lakh) targets this premium segment and will compete directly with models like the BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA. India’s EV market is expected to surpass 2.8 million annual sales by 2030, presenting a major long-term opportunity.
