Mumbai, August 4
Tesla has launched its first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Maharashtra's Mumbai, weeks after opening its first showroom in the city.
Tesla marked its official entry into the Indian market with the launch of its first showroom at the Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex on June 15.
With the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai, Tesla is expected to test the Indian market and build a base for its premium electric vehicles in one of the world's fastest-growing automobile markets.
Tesla was not interested in manufacturing in India; instead, they were looking at opening showrooms here, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, had said.
Earlier, there were reports that Tesla was interested in importing Tesla cars into India and subsequently selling them through their showrooms in India. But Tesla has been tight-lipped all through on its India operations.
Early this year, Tesla Inc. officially began its hiring process in India, marking a significant step towards its long-anticipated entry into the domestic market. While Tesla had not provided an official timeline for its India launch, its active hiring had suggested that preparations were in full swing.
Tesla boss Elon Musk had in past indicated that he was interested in investing in India, but "high import duty" structures were a bone of contention.
Tesla's intention to enter India intensified after the country announced its new EV policy, which substantially reduced import duty and provided numerous incentives to attract global EV carmakers.
In April this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the technology and innovation sectors. PM Modi had also met Musk this February in the US.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Exciting news! But I wish Tesla would focus more on affordable EV options for middle-class Indians rather than just premium models. Our roads need more sustainable options that common people can buy.
Great initiative but infrastructure is key! Hope they expand charging stations beyond Mumbai soon. What about tier 2 cities? And will our electricity grid handle this EV revolution? So many questions...
As an expat in Mumbai, this is fantastic news! But I hope Tesla adapts their vehicles for Indian road conditions - our potholes and traffic need special consideration 😅
Instead of just importing, Tesla should set up manufacturing here. It would create jobs and make vehicles more affordable. Our 'Make in India' policy needs big players like Tesla to commit fully.
Good first step, but what about after-sales service? Luxury car companies often struggle with service quality in India. Hope Tesla has proper service centers planned across major cities.
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