In a show of sportsmanlike spirit and optimism for India’s EV future, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra welcomed Elon Musk to India following Tesla’s official showroom opening in Mumbai. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mahindra responded to Tesla’s arrival with a warm message: “Welcome Elon. See you at the charging station.”
Anand Mahindra’s response wasn’t just a greeting—it was also a quiet signal that Mahindra is ready to compete. The company’s EV arm, Mahindra Electric, has been steadily expanding. Models like the XUV400 and the upcoming BE series reflect the group’s aggressive push into green mobility, backed by investments in design, technology, and charging infrastructure.
Mahindra also shared a tweet from 2017 wherein he advised Musk to come to India. He added cheekily, "You don't want to leave the whole market to Mahindra, do you? The more the merrier - and greener..!"
Tesla has opened its first office at Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), setting the stage for the much-anticipated launch of the EV giant’s operations in the country. Tesla Model Y bookings are underway with deliveries expected to begin next month. The EV is currently priced starting at Rs. 59.89 lakhs due to heavy taxation by the Indian government.
As for Mahindra, it has partnered with British International Investment (BII) for a $250 million investment in its EV subsidiary and is investing heavily in its EV manufacturing plant in Pune. The company is banking on both its legacy and new-age tech partnerships to compete with global entrants.
India’s EV ecosystem is heating up. With Tesla’s entry, the competition is expected to intensify, especially in the premium segment. While Tesla brings global brand power and its revolutionary supercharging technology, Indian players like Mahindra bring localisation, a deeper understanding of the market, and a growing product portfolio.
