Tesla in India soon: Here's where EV maker might set up its first showrooms

Tesla has reportedly selected space for two showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Updated on: Feb 18, 2025, 23:13:19 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Elon Musk's automotive company Tesla has reportedly selected locations for setting up two showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai, bringing closer the long-awaited plans to sell electric cars in India.

Tesla electric vehicles are parked in a Tesla dealer in Paramus, New Jersey, US, July 23, 2024. (REUTERS/File)

Sources familiar with the matter, cited in a Reuters report, said Tesla has been looking for showroom spaces in India since late last year in order to start sales in the world's third biggest auto market, after pausing market entry plans in 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the United States last week and discussed matters including space, mobility and technology.

Where has Tesla selected space in India?

Tesla has shortlisted space to lease in the Aerocity area near New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) for a showroom, Reuters cited two people familiar with the discussions, who declined to be named as the matter is private.

The Aerocity area is lined with hotels, retail outlets and offices of global corporations.

For Mumbai, Tesla has reportedly chosen space in the business and retail hub of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) near the airport.

Also Read: Tesla starts hiring in India, signaling entry plans after Elon Musk-PM Modi meet

Both the Delhi and Mumbai showrooms will be around 5,000 square feet (464.52 square metres) in size, the above-mentioned source said.

The dates for the inauguration of the outlets have not yet been decided, but Tesla plans "to sell imported EVs in India ... these deals are for showrooms, not service centres," one of the sources cited in the report said, adding that Tesla will operate the outlets.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla also posted job ads this week for 13 mid-level roles in India, including some store and customer relationship managers.

Elon Musk, world's richest person, has criticised India for having high import tariffs of around 100 per cent on electric vehicles (EVs). Tesla has repeatedly called for relaxation of tariffs but has faced opposition from local automakers who think Tesla's entry could hit their EV plans.

During PM Modi's Washington visit last week, US President Donald Trump called out India's high duty on cars, but agreed with the prime minister to work towards an early trade deal and resolve their standoff over tariffs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.