These higher prices may be attributed to import duties and logistics costs. According to Bloomberg News, five units of the Model Y have already landed in Mumbai from Tesla’s Shanghai facility. These vehicles reportedly attracted import duties exceeding ₹21 lakh per unit, in line with India’s 70 per cent tariff on fully-built imports under $40,000.
Tesla Inc officially enters the Indian market today with the launch of its popular electric SUV, the Model Y, and the opening of its first retail location in the country. The
Mumbai-based outlet is scheduled to be unveiled at 10 am, marking the EV maker's debut nearly two years after Elon Musk first showed interest in the Indian EV market.
The EV maker secured the Mumbai site lease in March and has since ramped up hiring while scouting additional locations in New Delhi. Musk's company is expected to stick to its global playbook, pursuing the company-operated model in India, instead of the dealership-led sales approach, followed by most automakers.
The launch comes as Tesla works to regain its global market share amid increased competition from Chinese EV companies. As earlier reported by Business Standard, Tesla delivered 384,122 vehicles globally in the first three months of 2025, down around 60,000 units from the year-ago period. Meanwhile, Chinese rival BYD has surged ahead, clocking more than one million vehicles sold in the first half of 2025.
As of now, Tesla has only committed to selling in India and has not indicated whether local assembly is on the cards.