Tesla India Launch Falls Short of Expectations with 600 Orders

Modest Start in Premium EV Segment

Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into the Indian market has generated approximately 600 orders since its July 2025 launch, falling below the company’s internal expectations. The electric vehicle giant introduced its Model Y in India at a premium price point of $70,000, reflecting the country’s high import tariffs on electric vehicles.

Limited Initial Rollout Strategy

Based on received payments and operational capacity, Tesla plans to ship 350-500 vehicles to India in 2025, with the first batch arriving from Shanghai in early September. Initial deliveries will be concentrated in four major cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram, where Tesla has established physical presence. The company faces significant infrastructure challenges, including limited charging networks, poor traffic discipline, and road conditions that pose unique obstacles even in urban areas. Despite these hurdles, Tesla is targeting India’s niche luxury EV segment as part of its global expansion strategy amid declining sales in other markets.