Tesla Inc., the global electric vehicle (EV) leader, sold 61 cars in India during September 2025, marking a cautious entry into one of the world’s largest automotive markets, according to reports from Economic Times and Autocar India on October 8, 2025. For EV enthusiasts, investors, and auto industry analysts searching Tesla India sales September 2025, Tesla Model Y India launch, or Tesla EV market India, the modest sales figure—primarily driven by the Model Y—reflects challenges like high import duties, limited charging infrastructure, and competition in India’s $5 billion EV market, projected to grow at 20% CAGR by 2030. Tesla, which began deliveries in August 2025 after years of negotiations, faces a steep climb to meet its goal of 10,000 annual sales by 2027, constrained by pricing and infrastructure hurdles. Despite the slow start, Tesla’s entry, backed by a planned $2 billion factory in Maharashtra, signals long-term commitment to India’s growing EV ecosystem.
Tesla’s India Sales: September 2025 Breakdown
Tesla’s 61 vehicle sales in September 2025, primarily Model Y SUVs, were concentrated in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where affluent buyers and early adopters dominate.
- Model Sold: Model Y (base price ₹45 lakh, ~$54,000, post-import duties).
- Sales Volume: 61 units, compared to 1,500 EVs sold by Tata Motors in the same period.
- Key Markets: Delhi (40%), Mumbai (30%), Bangalore (20%).
- Revenue: ~₹275 crore ($3.3 million) from September sales.
- Delivery Start: August 2025, with 200 units delivered by September end.
Elon Musk, via X: “India’s EV journey is just beginning, and Tesla’s here to accelerate it.”
| Metric | September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Units Sold | 61 |
| Primary Model | Model Y |
| Price (Post-Duty) | ₹45 lakh ($54,000) |
| Key Cities | Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore |
| Revenue | ₹275 crore ($3.3M) |
Challenges in India’s EV Market
Tesla’s modest sales reflect several hurdles:
- High Import Duties: 100% tariffs on fully built EVs inflate Model Y’s price, making it 3x costlier than Tata Nexon EV (₹15 lakh).
- Charging Infrastructure: India has 12,000 public chargers vs. 1.5 million vehicles, with Tesla planning 100 superchargers by 2026.
- Competition: Tata Motors (70% EV market share) and BYD offer affordable models, capturing budget-conscious buyers.
- Consumer Base: Only 1% of India’s 300 million vehicle market is EVs, with luxury EVs (<0.1%) limited to affluent buyers.
Tesla’s India Strategy: Long-Term Growth
Tesla is laying groundwork for scale:
- Local Manufacturing: $2 billion factory in Maharashtra, starting production in 2027, aims to reduce prices by 30% via local assembly.
- Supercharger Network: 10 stations operational in 2025, with 100 planned by 2026.
- Model Expansion: Model 3 and a potential compact EV for India by 2028.
- Government Incentives: Negotiating reduced duties (to 15%) for locally produced EVs.
Analyst Ankit Mittal: “Tesla’s 61-unit start is small, but its brand and upcoming factory will drive 10,000 sales by 2027.”
Market Context: India’s EV Boom
India’s $5 billion EV market, growing at 20% CAGR, is dominated by Tata Motors (70%) and Mahindra (15%), with 82,000 EVs sold in 2024. Tesla’s premium positioning targets the luxury segment (BMW, Mercedes), but affordability remains key for mass adoption.
Implications and Outlook
- Opportunities:
- Brand Appeal: Tesla’s global cachet attracts urban elites, with 5,000 pre-orders in 2025.
- Policy Support: India’s FAME III scheme offers EV subsidies, boosting demand.
- Growth Potential: 10% EV penetration by 2030 could yield 1 million annual sales.
- Challenges:
- Pricing: Model Y’s ₹45 lakh price limits volume vs. competitors at ₹15-20 lakh.
- Infrastructure: Charger scarcity deters buyers outside metros.
- Local Rivals: Tata and BYD’s established networks pose stiff competition.
Conclusion: Tesla’s India Journey Begins
Tesla’s 61-car sales in India in September 2025 mark a slow but strategic entry into a $5 billion EV market. High duties and infrastructure gaps challenge growth, but a $2 billion factory and supercharger expansion signal commitment. For Tesla, it’s a spark—will it ignite India’s EV revolution? The wheels roll. ET
