Tesla sells 48 cars in November, 157 units so far in India
New Delhi, Dec 2
Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into India’s fast-growing luxury electric vehicle market has begun on a slower note, with the company selling 157 units since it started deliveries in September.
According to the government’s Vahan portal, Tesla delivered just 48 cars in November, lagging behind established luxury players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
In comparison, BMW India sold 267 EVs in November alone, highlighting the stiff competition Tesla faces in the premium segment.
The US-based automaker launched its Model Y electric SUV as its first offering in India, marking the beginning of its operations in the country.
Despite the initial excitement, the sales figures suggest that Tesla still has some distance to cover before it can challenge the dominance of long-established luxury brands.
Even as sales pick up slowly, Tesla continues to expand its footprint in India. Last week, the company announced the launch of its first all-in-one Tesla Centre in Gurugram.
The new facility at Orchid Business Park in Sector 48 is designed to combine retail, after-sales service, deliveries, and charging infrastructure under one roof, offering customers a complete ownership experience.
Sharad Agarwal, General Manager of Tesla India, said the Gurugram centre is a major step in supporting the growing Tesla community in northern India.
He added that the company aims to make electric mobility more convenient by building infrastructure around people’s daily lives -- where they work, dine, and travel.
Agarwal said Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the shift to sustainable energy. By strengthening charging infrastructure and using a direct business model, the company hopes to boost customer confidence and drive greater adoption of EVs in India.
Visitors to the new Gurugram centre can explore the latest Tesla technologies, take test drives of the Model Y, and access the advanced V4 Superchargers installed on-site.
Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 2, is also on display, showcasing the company’s innovations in AI and robotics.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's just the beginning! They started deliveries in September. Setting up the charging infrastructure and service centers is key for Indian customers. The Gurugram centre is a great step. Once people experience the tech and supercharging, numbers will pick up. Have faith! ✨
The real issue is range anxiety outside major metros. What about road trips to hills or long highways? Until I see Superchargers on the Delhi-Jaipur or Mumbai-Pune routes, it's a hard sell as a primary car for many families. BMW and Mercedes have had years to build trust.
As an expat living in Gurugram, I'm thrilled about the new centre! Took a test drive last weekend. The experience is futuristic. But I agree with others—the price is a huge barrier. For the Indian market, a more affordable model (like the rumored $25k car) is an absolute must.
Respectfully, I think the article is missing the point. Selling 157 cars in three months for a brand-new, ultra-premium EV with no local service history is actually decent. They are building the ecosystem first. The display of the Optimus robot shows they're playing the long game. Let's check the numbers again in a year.
The high import duties are killing the potential. Our government should incentivize such global EV players to set up shop here, not tax them to the moon. It will boost the entire ecosystem, create jobs, and help our own auto component industry. Jai Hind, but we need pragmatic policies. ðŸ¤