Gurugram hub becomes Tesla’s key showcase
Tesla opens its largest India hub in Gurugram while early demand remains weak. The site combines a showroom, charging points and full after-sales services in one space. Dealership figures show Tesla sells just over 100 cars since its highly promoted July launch.
Sources close to the company say Tesla now aims to strengthen India’s broader EV ecosystem to rebuild momentum. The firm offers no direct reply to questions about its low sales. Reports show Tesla receives slightly more than 600 bookings by mid-September. Only a small portion turns into sales once deliveries begin. Premium rivals like BMW, BYD and Mercedes Benz record strong festive-driven demand supported by tax cuts.
Plan targets adoption, charging access and experience
Tesla sets out a three-step plan to boost adoption, expand charging options and improve customer experience. Analysts say high taxes and slow EV uptake remain major obstacles in India. The high upfront price of Tesla models adds further hesitation for buyers.
At the Gurugram launch, India head Sharad Agarwal says buyers can save up to two million rupees (22,400 dollars; 16,900 pounds) on fuel and maintenance over four years. He explains that remote software updates reduce ownership costs and home charging costs only a tenth of petrol.
Industry experts view the rollout as cautious
Automotive editor Hormazd Sorabjee says Tesla’s sales remain low by any standard. He believes the company follows a careful entry strategy and expects higher figures over time.
EVs hold less than a three percent share of India’s passenger vehicle market. Charging infrastructure grows slowly, with about 25,000 stations nationwide. Tesla cars can charge at home with up to 44 miles added per hour. The company also expands superchargers that add around 170 miles in 15 minutes.
India trends reflect global softening
Tesla’s weak India performance aligns with a broader slowdown across Europe, China and the United States. The company reports a profit drop in October despite record quarterly revenue driven by a late surge of US buyers chasing an expiring tax credit. Revenue for the September quarter reaches 28 billion dollars (21 billion pounds), a 12 percent rise from last year. Profits fall 37 percent due to tariff-related costs and research spending.
In India, Elon Musk maintains an import-led model and shows little interest in local manufacturing despite incentives launched last March to attract major EV producers.
