Tesla is still looking for the right plug in India
- Published on 30/11/2025 10:15
- Modified on 30/11/2025 10:22
A little over a hundred Teslas sold in a few months: a negligible figure, but far from telling the whole story.
When Tesla finally arrived in India this summer, after years of hesitations and negotiations, the event almost felt symbolic. The California brand was entering the most populous country in the world, ready to test its formula in a market where the rules are very different. But reality quickly set in. Since July, Tesla has sold just a little over 100 cars. A figure that seems almost unreal for a manufacturer used to massive volumes.
However, this slow start is not really a surprise. Until spring, India imposed such high taxes on imported cars that Tesla had little incentive to enter. The change in policy in March, with the removal of tariffs on electric vehicles, opened everything up. In a few months, the brand opened its first store in Mumbai, followed by a larger center in Gurugram. It’s modest, but it’s a start.
The local market, on the other hand, is advancing at full speed… but not necessarily in the direction Tesla would have hoped. Yes, India has surpassed two million electric vehicles sold this year, but these are mostly scooters! Electric cars make up only a tiny part of the sales, and they are predominantly from Tata and Mahindra. Simple, robust models at prices that Tesla simply cannot match.
This is where the real problem lies: the price. A Model Y exceeds 60,000 euros in India. For the vast majority of Indian households, this is completely out of reach. Tesla then becomes an almost exotic product, reserved for a tiny elite.
The infrastructure isn’t helping either. Only one Supercharger is operational in the entire country, with two more in preparation. It’s difficult to attract customers without a solid network.
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Meanwhile, Chinese and German brands are making progress, sometimes timidly but surely. Tesla, on the other hand, is discovering a market that doesn’t resemble those it knows. A market where everything remains to be built. Patiently, humbly, and understanding what Indian drivers really want.
This page is translated from the original post "Tesla cherche toujours la bonne prise en Inde" in French.
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