Tesla (TSLA) has received just over 600 orders in India since launching sales in mid-July, falling short of internal expectations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing sources.
The company now plans to ship between 350 and 500 cars this year, with the first batch expected to arrive from Shanghai in early September. Deliveries will initially focus on Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram, based on confirmed payments and Tesla’s current service footprint.
Tesla introduced its Model Y in India in July at around $70,000, a price inflated by the country’s high tariffs on imported EVs. The Elon Musk-led firm has long pressed New Delhi to reduce import duties but, for now, is relying on imports to target India’s premium EV market.
Shares in Tesla dipped slightly in premarket trading Tuesday. The company has faced global headwinds, including excess factory capacity and slowing sales.
With deliveries expected from the third quarter, Tesla is entering a market where EVs account for only 4% of total car sales. Analysts warn that adoption may be slowed by India’s limited charging network, poor traffic discipline, pothole-ridden roads, and stray animals even in major cities.
