Tesla's Appeal Wanes in India Despite Musk's Long-Awaited Deliveries
📷 Image source: techcrunch.com
Tesla, once the golden child of India's electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, is seeing its luster fade even as Elon Musk finally begins delivering cars to the market. The company's delayed entry, high pricing, and growing competition from local and global rivals have left many early adopters disillusioned.
For years, Indian Tesla fans eagerly awaited the brand's arrival, but the excitement has dimmed as competitors like Tata Motors and Hyundai have rolled out more affordable EVs tailored to local preferences. Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y, while technologically advanced, come with a premium price tag that puts them out of reach for most Indian consumers.
Experts suggest that Tesla's struggle to adapt to India's price-sensitive market contrasts sharply with its success in wealthier regions. Meanwhile, government policies favoring locally manufactured EVs have further dented Tesla's prospects. Analysts note that without significant price adjustments or localized production, Tesla risks becoming a niche player in India's rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Adding to the challenge, charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped, a hurdle that domestic automakers have addressed more effectively through partnerships and government collaborations. While Tesla's brand prestige remains, its ability to capture mass-market appeal in India now hangs in the balance.
