New Gurugram hub anchors the brand’s India push
Tesla opens its largest India hub in Gurugram while it struggles with weak demand. The centre brings a showroom, charging points and full after-sales care into one site. Dealership data shows Tesla sells just over 100 cars since its heavily publicised July debut.
People familiar with the company’s approach say Tesla now focuses on strengthening India’s broader EV environment to rebuild momentum. The firm offers no direct reply on its slow sales. Media reports indicate Tesla secures only a little more than 600 bookings by mid-September. A small share converts into sales once deliveries start in September. Competing premium EVs from BMW, BYD and Mercedes Benz enjoy strong demand supported by festive buying and tax benefits.
Plan targets adoption, charging access and customer care
Tesla prepares a three-part strategy to boost adoption, widen charging access and enhance customer experience. Analysts point to high taxes and slow EV uptake as major barriers in India. The steep upfront cost of Tesla’s models adds new pressure for buyers.
At the Gurugram launch, India head Sharad Agarwal says buyers can recover up to two million rupees (22,400 dollars; 16,900 pounds) within four years through fuel and maintenance savings. He notes that remote software maintenance reduces ownership costs and home charging costs only a tenth of petrol prices.
Analysts view early sales as a cautious start
Industry observer Hormazd Sorabjee says Tesla’s current sales remain low by any measurement. He believes the company adopts a careful entry plan and expects stronger numbers later.
EVs represent less than 3% of India’s passenger vehicle market, and charging networks grow slowly with only about 25,000 stations nationwide. Tesla cars can charge at home with up to 44 miles of range added each hour. The company expands its network with superchargers that add roughly 170 miles in 15 minutes.
Weak India sales fit a global cooling trend
Tesla’s India slowdown mirrors a broader dip in demand across Europe, China and the United States. The company reports a profit drop in October despite record quarterly revenue driven by a late surge from US buyers chasing an expiring tax credit. Quarterly revenue reaches 28 billion dollars (21 billion pounds), up 12% from last year. Profits fall 37% due to higher costs tied to tariffs and research and development.
In India, Elon Musk shows little interest in setting up local manufacturing. Tesla continues with an import-led strategy despite incentives announced last March to attract international EV producers.
