Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 16: US electric vehicle giant Tesla officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and a second outlet already underway in Delhi. The move has been met with enthusiasm, including a warm welcome from Indian industrialist and Mahindra Group Chairperson Anand Mahindra.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mahindra greeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his brand with open arms. “Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla. One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting. Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead. Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station,” Mahindra wrote.
He also shared a throwback exchange from 2017 in which Musk had tweeted, “India commits to sell only electric cars by 2030. It is already the largest market for solar power.” Mahindra had then replied, “Time you got out here Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra do you?? The more the merrier — and greener..!” Musk had responded with a brief “Good point.”
Tesla’s first offering for the Indian market is the Model Y, available in Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants, with deliveries expected to begin in August. Prices start at Rs 59.89 lac for the RWD version and go up to Rs 67.89 lac for the AWD variant.
With its luxury pricing, Tesla is entering a high-end EV segment in India, competing directly with German automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while steering clear of more affordable domestic options from Mahindra and Tata Motors.
While Tesla positions itself as a premium EV brand, Indian players are not far behind in technology and performance. The Mahindra XEV 9e, with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options, offers an ARAI-certified range of up to 659 km, starting at just Rs 21.90 lac. Similarly, the Mahindra BE 6 offers up to 638 km of range and starts at Rs 18.90 lac, both using rear-wheel-drive setups.
Tesla’s Model Y features a 60 kWh or 75 kWh battery, promising 500–622 km (WLTP range), producing 295 hp and 420 Nm of torque, and accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.6 seconds.
As India’s EV revolution charges ahead, Tesla’s arrival adds fresh energy to the landscape—setting the stage for an electrifying race between global and homegrown giants.