Tesla Starts Selling Vehicles in India — Finally - CleanTechnica

Tesla has officially begun selling vehicles in India, launching a store in Mumbai where customers can purchase the Tesla Model Y. This marks a significant milestone after years of delays and negotiations. However, due to India’s steep import tariffs—70% on electric vehicles plus a 30% luxury tax—the Model Y’s starting price in India is approximately $69,800, substantially higher than the $44,990 price in the U.S. This pricing positions Tesla’s offering as a luxury product in India, limiting its appeal to affluent buyers rather than the mass market. Tesla is also planning to open a store in New Delhi and expand its ecosystem with service centers, charging stations, and logistics hubs. Despite India being the world’s third-largest auto market, high tariffs have historically hindered foreign automakers’ success. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk had sought tariff exemptions but ultimately abandoned those efforts. While India’s new EV policy encourages local manufacturing to reduce duties, Tesla has not yet committed to building production facilities in the country