Tesla Finally Lands in India with Mumbai “Experience Center”
In a seismic move, Tesla has officially entered India with the opening of its first experience center in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex on July 15, 2025. Tesla shipped five Model Y SUVs (valued at approx ₹32 lakh each) and Superchargers worth $1 million, launching a bold challenge to India’s ICE-dominated market.
Despite CEO Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s ~70% import duties, Tesla is forging ahead—with showrooms planned in Delhi next. However, without local manufacturing, Tesla SUVs are priced over $56,000 before taxes and insurance—raising concerns about its appeal to price-sensitive Indian buyers.
V Supply Explodes Into Chill Mode Amid Rare-Earth Crunch
India’s ambitious EV rollout faces a major roadblock due to China’s rare-earth export restrictions. Maruti Suzuki has slashed e-Vitara production by two-thirds, targeting just 8,200 units (from an initial 26,500) between April and September. This impacts electric motor magnets, battery components, and more—putting pressure on India’s goal of 30% EV adoption by 2030.
Similarly, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations warns that 55% of dealers foresee flat or negative growth, citing high inventory days (~52) and rare-earth disruptions. Dealers also rely on monsoon-driven rural sales to offset declines in urban demand.
EV Gospel: Kia Carens Clavis, MG M9 & MG Cyberster Set July Ablaze
July 2025 is shaping up as a landmark month for India’s EV segment:
- Kia Carens Clavis EV is set to hit showrooms on July 15, becoming the first mass-market seven-seater electric MPV in India, with two battery options promising ~490–500 km range.
- MG M9, a feature-rich electric MPV, is expected in early July with a 90 kWh battery, luxurious captain seats, massaging functions, panoramic sunroof, and 430 km claimed range, priced at ₹65–70 lakh.
- MG Cyberster electric sports roadster is also slated for late-July arrival, equipped with dual motors, 77 kWh battery, 510 PS, and WLTP range of 443 km (ex-showroom ~₹80 lakh).
These launches are tectonic for India’s EV landscape, especially in the MPV and luxury performance segments.
Tata Harrier EV Booking Opens Amid SUV Surge
On the mainstream EV front, Tata Motors has opened bookings for its Harrier EV [Simon’s line here]—a 65 or 75 kWh crossover SUV with AWD and dual motors, 627 km range (MIDC cycle). The Harrier EV is positioned to challenge rivals like Mahindra XEV 9e and BYD Atto 3, with competitive pricing starting mid-₹20 lakh ex-showroom.
Two-Wheeler Buzz & Hybrid Price Drop
- Honda City e:HEV hybrid sees a nearly ₹1 lakh price drop, bringing urban hybrids within reach for eco-conscious buyers.
- Updated Mahindra XEV 9e, with larger 79 kWh battery Pack 2, further expands India’s EV two-wheeler ecosystem
Tech Tick: Qualcomm Snapdragon Auto Day & Suzuki e-Vitara Debut
- Qualcomm’s “Snapdragon Auto Day India” arrives in New Delhi on July 30 featuring localized ADAS, V2X connectivity, and in-car infotainment platforms aimed at accelerating Indian automakers’ future tech readiness.
- Suzuki e-Vitara, India’s first mass-produced subcompact crossover EV with LFP battery pack, AWD variant (up to 135 kW), and assembly in Gujarat marks a vital step in affordable EV adoption
Why This Matters
- Tesla’s bold debut places India firmly on the global EV brand map, though pricing may limit early penetration.
- Rare-earth disruptions highlight India’s supply chain vulnerabilities and urge investment in domestic metal reserves.
- EV MPV surge (Kia & MG) taps into family markets, influencing EV adoption trends.
- Tech infusion (Qualcomm ADAS, Snapdragon platforms) steers India toward smarter, safer automotive ecosystems.
- Hybrid and bike EV trends ensure alternatives across vehicle categories, diversifying consumer choices.
