Tesla Set to Electrify India: First EV Shipments Arriving Soon at Mumbai Port

Опубликовано: 16 марта, 2025

Tesla is preparing for its long-anticipated debut in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector after facing multiple challenges regarding local manufacturing investments, regulatory compliance, and import tariffs. A recent report indicates that the first shipment of Tesla vehicles, made up of several thousand units, is expected to reach the Mumbai port in the next few months in advance of the expected launch of sales planned for later this year.

The electric vehicle manufacturer, owned by Elon Musk, is initially expected to bring EVs from its Berlin facility to sell in the world’s most heavily populated nation, with plans to possibly establish local production in the future.

Arrival of Tesla EVs in India

reports that Tesla plans to start selling its electric vehicles in the third quarter of the year, focusing on three major cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Earlier, the company was reported to have confirmed the sites for its initial two showrooms in India, which will be located in Delhi’s Aerocity and Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

However, it is still uncertain which specific models Tesla will introduce to the Indian market. Although Tesla has a variety of premium models available, including the Model 3, Model X, Model S, and Cybertruck, there have been indications that the company might first launch an EV priced below $25,000 (approximately Rs. 22 lakh). This decision is believed to be contingent upon ongoing tariff negotiations between India and the United States. Currently, the Tesla Model 3 stands as the most economical option in its lineup, carrying a starting price of $40,000 (about Rs. 35 lakh).

Reports suggest that India could raise the allowance for imported vehicles under the concessional tax scheme from the current limit of 8,000 to 50,000 cars as part of a more extensive trade agreement with the US. The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, has lowered the basic customs duty (BCD) on imported vehicles valued above $40,000 from 125 percent to 70 percent. Therefore, discussions are believed to be ongoing regarding other alternatives, including further reductions in the BCD on imported cars and lowering tariffs on select model shipments.

As Tesla moves forward with its plans to launch in India, the company has also begun hiring for various positions related to its operations in the country. Current job listings display openings for service technicians, advisory positions, customer engagement managers, and delivery operations specialists in Delhi and Mumbai.

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