Mumbai: Aditya Thackeray Slams Centre, Says Customs Delay Pushed Tesla Showroom Opening By 3 Years

Mumbai: Tesla has officially launched its first Experience Centre in India, located at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. The showroom was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking Tesla's formal entry into the Indian automotive market.

Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray welcomed the move, saying, "It's a good thing that an electric car showroom is being opened. If the central government had not debated the customs duties, then the showroom would have opened in 2021 only. The EV policy that we made gives EVs major support in Maharashtra, and due to this, many companies are coming here..."

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: As the first Tesla showroom opens in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, "It's a good thing that an electric car showroom is being opened. If the central government had not debated on the customs duties, then the showroom would… pic.twitter.com/Wv7MLksgwc

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025

Tesla’s arrival highlights Mumbai's growing importance as a hub for electric vehicles, bolstered by state-level policies encouraging green mobility and investments in EV infrastructure.

Tesla to Open Delhi Showroom Next After Mumbai; Supercharger Network Coming Soon

Following its grand debut in Mumbai, Elon Musk-led Tesla is now set to expand its footprint in India with an upcoming showroom in New Delhi. Alongside the new showroom, Tesla announced plans on Tuesday to install four charging stations in Delhi, which will include 16 Superchargers and 15 Destination Chargers, as reported by a news agency, IANS.

The company recently entered the Indian market officially with the launch of its ‘Experience Centre’ in Mumbai and the introduction of its popular electric SUV, the Model Y. According to Tesla’s official statement, the company aims to build a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India. This includes showrooms, service centres, delivery infrastructure, charging stations, logistics hubs, and office spaces throughout the country.

Tesla Mumbai Showroom Now Open, Bookings For Model Y Begin

In Mumbai, Tesla has already confirmed four major charging stations in key areas, Lower Parel, BKC, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, each equipped with 16 Superchargers and 16 Destination Chargers. A similar network is planned for Delhi to provide convenient and efficient charging options for Tesla owners.

Tesla reiterated that electric vehicles are only one component of its larger sustainability mission. The company revealed that over 8 million Tesla vehicles have been delivered in 55 countries, and more than 250 new features were added in 2024 alone via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Tesla plans to continue rolling out such updates to enhance vehicle performance and intelligence over time, as reported.