Tesla Sets Up First India Centre in Gurugram, Kick-Starting Next Phase of Its EV Strategy

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Tesla has officially opened its first dedicated India centre in Gurugram, marking a pivotal moment in its long-anticipated push into the Indian electric vehicle market. The facility, which now stands as Tesla’s largest hub in the country, brings together after-sales operations and access to the company’s latest V4 Superchargers, signalling the beginning of an aggressive expansion phase after months of subdued sales. With Sharad Agarwal, former head of Lamborghini India, now leading Tesla’s local subsidiary, the company’s immediate goal is to break persistent misconceptions about EV ownership while strengthening customer engagement.

The automaker is currently offering the Model Y in India through the completely built-up (CBU) route, resulting in a higher sticker price. However, Tesla argues that ownership economics remain competitive. According to the company, nearly one-third of the Model Y’s cost can be recovered within four to five years due to the absence of service intervals, on-location mechanical maintenance, and the use of a robust, software-driven powertrain. Tesla India continues to operate without a traditional service centre network, relying instead on remote diagnostics and over-the-air support to resolve most issues. The company believes this approach will differentiate it in a market where EV servicing remains fragmented and inconsistent.

Tesla’s next major focus is building out its Supercharger network, a move that will determine the brand’s long-term competitiveness. Although the company has not disclosed a target number, it has confirmed plans to initially deploy Superchargers in Mumbai, Delhi, and other Tier 1 markets. The firm has identified tech parks, commercial districts, and shopping hubs as priority locations for installing its proprietary DC fast chargers, which deliver up to 250 kW of power and can add more than 270 kilometres of range in under fifteen minutes. As with global markets, these chargers will remain exclusive to Tesla vehicles, ensuring a seamless user experience without the app-heavy interfaces that currently frustrate EV users at public charging points in India.

Tesla is also doubling down on its technology advantage, positioning Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability as a future catalyst for adoption. The company claims the system is technically capable of operating in Indian conditions, despite unpredictable traffic behaviour and inconsistent lane markings. All Model Ys sold in India are FSD-compatible and require only regulatory approval for activation. While Tesla’s autonomous technology has encountered regulatory bottlenecks worldwide, it has already been cleared in multiple countries, strengthening its case for eventual rollout in India.

Despite strong brand recall and high online visibility, Tesla’s initial sales have been modest. The company sold forty units in October 2025, falling short of expectations that India’s tech-savvy consumer base would rapidly embrace the brand. Tesla maintains that early customer sentiment is positive and notes that several buyers have already returned to purchase their second Tesla. However, industry analysts point out that the brand may need structured buyback programmes and guaranteed residual-value assurances to overcome buyer hesitation.

Looking forward, the automaker’s investment will be focused primarily on expanding its charging footprint, with four stations already operational and equipped with sixteen Superchargers and ten destination chargers. While local assembly remains off the table for now, Tesla appears committed to deepening its presence through infrastructure-led adoption, setting the stage for a longer-term battle in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.