Tesla’s Fading Allure in India: Why Loyal Fans are Losing Interest Despite Musk’s Promises | TechCrunch

Tesla recently opened its first showroom in India, but reactions from early supporters have been mixed. One of the first visitors, Vishal Gondal, who pre-ordered a Model 3 in 2016, expressed disappointment after his visit. He described the experience as “underwhelming,” especially after years of anticipation.

Gondal, the founder of fitness-tech startup GOQii, faced challenges getting a refund on his reservation fee after Tesla’s lengthy delay. “If I had invested that money in Tesla stock, I would have made more,” he reflected. Many early backers like Gondal are disillusioned; despite their long-standing support, they are hesitant to buy a Tesla now.

The showroom, located in Mumbai’s Maker Maxity Mall, didn’t live up to the excitement surrounding other major launches, like Apple’s. Gondal arrived in his Audi e-Tron, stating, “The launch felt cold.” Amit Bhavani, founder of Phoneradar, echoed this sentiment, noting the lack of enthusiasm compared to previous tech launches.

Though Tesla has plans to establish charging stations in Delhi and Mumbai, concerns about after-sales service remain. Many early supporters question how Tesla will manage maintenance and support, as the network is still developing.

Social media has buzzed with reactions, showcasing a trend of disappointment among Tesla’s loyal base. Kunal Khattar, a venture capitalist, commented on Tesla’s changing image due to CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement, suggesting it has dimmed the brand’s appeal. “People don’t see Tesla as the savior of the climate anymore,” he said.

Pricing also poses a challenge; the Model Y starts at ₹59,89,000 (around $68,000), significantly higher than its price in the U.S. This premium price puts it in a niche market where just 1% of car sales in India fall within this range. Despite a growing interest in electric vehicles, domestic players like Tata Motors have already established a strong market presence.

Studies show electric vehicle sales in India have climbed steadily, accounting for 2.5% of total sales in 2024, a significant rise from nearly negligible figures back in 2016 when Tesla announced its plans. Yet while Tesla’s entrance could generate interest in electric vehicles, experts think it might not significantly impact existing brands.

As more high-net-worth individuals enter the market, sales of premium electric vehicles rose by 66% year-over-year in early 2025, demonstrating a growing willingness to invest in EVs, although Tesla may struggle to secure a large consumer base.

In summary, while Tesla’s arrival in India marks a significant milestone, the initial enthusiasm from loyal followers has cooled due to delays, high prices, and a lack of communication. For Tesla to succeed, it will need to build trust and effectively address customer concerns.

For more insights on the electric vehicle market in India and Tesla’s strategies, follow sources like Counterpoint Research and TechCrunch.

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