Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Tesla Struggles in India Six Months In
Tesla, the electric car company led by Elon Musk, started selling cars in India about six months ago.
But it's not selling as many cars as people thought it would.
Other luxury car companies like BMW and Mercedes are selling way more electric cars in India.
Tesla only has two stores in India, and its cars are very expensive because they're imported from China.
Also, Tesla isn't spending much on ads or setting up service centers, which makes people nervous about buying their cars.
To do better, Tesla needs to open more stores, set up service centers, and maybe even start making cars in India.
Even though Tesla isn't selling as many cars as its competitors, selling over 200 cars in four months with just two stores isn't bad.
But Tesla needs to try harder in India, especially since its sales are going down in other places like the US and Europe.
Tesla registered around 226 units in India in 2025, far behind competitors like BMW (3,753 units) and Mercedes (312 units).
Tesla's limited dealer network (only 2 showrooms) and reliance on imports have increased the price of its Model Y to 60 lakh, making it less competitive.
Tesla's lack of aggressive marketing and after-sales service infrastructure has hindered its market debut in India.
Experts suggest Tesla needs to expand its dealership network, invest in EV infrastructure, and build local manufacturing capabilities to compete effectively.
Despite struggles, Tesla's sales of over 200 units in four months with a new brand and two showrooms is notable, but the company needs to take the Indian market more seriously.
- Who
- Tesla, BMW, Mercedes, and other luxury EV manufacturers in India
- What
- Tesla's struggling market debut in India with low sales and limited infrastructure
- When
- Six months after Tesla's July 2025 India debut
- Where
- India, with a focus on Mumbai and Delhi
- Why
- Limited dealer network, narrow product portfolio, reliance on imports, and lack of local manufacturing and marketing efforts
- Tesla's India Sales
- 226 units in 2025
- BMW's India Sales
- 3,753 units in 2025 (200% YoY growth)
- Mercedes' India Sales
- 312 units in the second half of 2025
- Tesla's Showrooms in India
- 2 (Mumbai and Delhi)
- Tesla Model Y Price
- Starting at 60 lakh
- BMW Showrooms in India
- 80
- Mercedes Showrooms in India
- More than 125
- Total EV Advertising Spend in India (2025)
- 6,000 crore