Audio By Carbonatix
Tesla has opened its largest sales and service hub in India even as the EV giant struggles with weak sales in Asia's third-largest economy.
The centre in the northern city of Gurugram combines an experience showroom, charging, and after-sales services under one roof.
The EV maker has sold just over 100 cars in India since its much-publicised debut in July this year, dealership data shows.
Sources close to the company told the BBC that Tesla is now focusing on strengthening India's EV ecosystem in a bid to revive sales momentum.
Tesla didn't directly respond to BBC queries on the low sales figures.
The Elon Musk-owned EV maker has been struggling to get a foothold in India since its launch in July, receiving bookings for barely over 600 cars till mid-September, according to media reports.
Dealership data accessed by the BBC shows only a small portion of these bookings converted into sales since deliveries started in September, even as competitor models in the premium category, from brands like BMW, BYD and Mercedes-Benz Benz reported robust sales aided by festive demand and tax cuts.
The EV maker's plan to improve sales is said to include a three-pronged strategy to increase adoption, install more charging stations across the country and boost customer experience.
High taxes and slow adoption remain major barriers to EV growth in India, experts say. For Tesla, the steep upfront price of its cars is another challenge.
But speaking at the Tesla Centre launch in Gurugram, India, head Sharad Agarwal said buyers can recoup up to two million rupees ($22,400; £16,900) over four years on fuel and maintenance - a third of the price of its Model Y sold here.
"Most of the [maintenance] service is done remotely through software updates, which reduces the cost of ownership. And the cost of home charging is one-tenth of petrol prices," Mr Agarwal said.
"Their [sales] numbers are low by any standard," Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India, told the BBC.
"But I think that's strategic. They have just put their foot in the door in India. And they have good potential to increase sales in the time to come."
EVs make up less than 3% of passenger vehicle sales in India, and charging infrastructure has been slow to develop - the country has only around 25,000 charging stations.
Tesla's cars can be charged at home, adding up to 44 miles (70.8km) of range per hour. The company is also expanding its network, including superchargers that can deliver about 170 miles in 15 minutes.
Tesla's weak India sales come amid a broader slowdown in demand across its biggest markets - Europe, China and the US.
The company's profits fell in October despite record quarterly revenue, boosted by a last-minute rush from US buyers to claim an expiring tax credit.
The firm said revenue for the three months to the end of September hit a record $28bn (£21bn), up 12% from the same time last year.
But the company's profits dropped by 37% for the same period, partly due to extra costs linked to tariffs and research and development.
In India, Musk has shown little interest in local manufacturing, opting for an import-led strategy despite incentives announced in March last year to attract global EV makers.
Latest Stories
-
Korle Bu appeals for more doctors, nurses as A&E Centre struggles under pressure
8 minutes -
AFCON 2027Q: ‘I’m optimistic Black Stars can turn things around’ – Agyemang-Badu
10 minutes -
Digital innovation could widen Africa’s inequalities if people are left out – Sam Jonah
12 minutes -
Galamsey is an economic, health and moral problem – Sam Jonah
14 minutes -
Africa must create AI technology instead of paying to use it – Sam Jonah
17 minutes -
2026 U-17 WWC: Black Maidens to face Norway, Brazil and Canada in Group C
21 minutes -
Agbodza, Sam George move to curb fibre optic cable cuts during road works
28 minutes -
2026 U-17 WWC: Black Maidens unveils 21-player squad for competition in Morocco
30 minutes -
South Africa evacuation and the minority’s half-truth
38 minutes -
‘You never know tomorrow’ – Anthony Baffoe on contesting for GFA Presidency
41 minutes -
Obuasi SHS head accused of sexually abusing students is NDC Juaben secretary seeking chairmanship
59 minutes -
Cedi depreciates by 7.11% against dollar in August 2026 – BoG report
1 hour -
Put women and youth at the centre of mineral resource governance — ActionAid
1 hour -
Theovision provides free healthcare to 2,500 rural residents and Ejura prison inmates
2 hours -
UG warns public against fake resumption and hall fees notice
2 hours