Tesla has entered India. And Anand Mahindra is already in the driver’s seat—with words.
On Tuesday, Tesla opened its first-ever showroom in India, located at Maker Maxity, Mumbai’s high-end Bandra Kurla Complex. This long-awaited entry sparked a strong welcome from Mahindra Group Chairperson Anand Mahindra, who tweeted his support with a dash of competitive spirit.
“Competition drives innovation… Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla,” Mahindra posted on X.
This wasn’t just a welcome. It was a signal. India’s EV race just got faster.
Anand Mahindra’s Friendly Challenge
Mahindra didn’t just greet Musk today. He also brought back a Twitter exchange from 2017. That year, Elon Musk tweeted that India aimed to sell only electric cars by 2030. Anand Mahindra replied:
“Time you got out here, Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra, do you?”
Musk’s response? “Good point.”
That playful push from Anand Mahindra back then has now turned real. Tesla is finally here. But it won’t be a smooth ride.
Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla.
One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.
Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead.
Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station. pic.twitter.com/7Uh2ziV0fp
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 15, 2025
Tesla vs Made-in-India Powerhouses
Tesla’s first car in India is the Model Y, priced from ₹59.89 lakh. With a 500+ km range, fast acceleration, and premium looks, it will compete with German giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
But here’s the twist: India already has strong players in the EV game. And they’re cheaper.
- Mahindra XEV 9e: Starts at ₹21.90 lakh. Range up to 659 km.
- Mahindra BE 6: Starts at ₹18.90 lakh. Range up to 638 km.
- Tata Nexon EV: Popular, reliable, and budget-friendly.
Tesla may have luxury on its side. But Mahindra and Tata have local trust, scale, and pricing that speaks to the Indian buyer.
Anand Mahindra isn’t just another businessman. He’s been at the front of India’s EV revolution. His warm welcome to Tesla isn’t weakness—it’s quiet confidence.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. With Tesla stepping in, innovation will only speed up. That’s exactly what Anand Mahindra hinted at when he said, “Plenty of road ahead.”
And he’s right. The road is long. But it’s also full of opportunity.
This isn’t just Tesla entering India. It’s India showing the world that local brands like Mahindra can stand tall next to global giants. Let the EV race begin—charged, confident, and Indian at heart.
Also Read Tesla Model Y vs BMW iX1 LWB: Who’s the EV King?
