‘Tesla has arrived in the right city and state’: CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomes Elon Musk’s brand to Mumbai

Speaking at the Tesla Experience Centre at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Fadnavis said, “This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre but a statement that Tesla has arrived, in the right city and state, that is Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability.” Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik was also present.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attending the Tesla launch in Mumbai (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

“It is very important for Maharashtra that Tesla launched its first experience centre in Mumbai,” Fadnavis said, and emphasised how the state has worked towards a dynamic electric vehicle and electric mobility policy.

“It is a great moment for Maharashtra, and specially Mumbai, with the world’s smartest car Tesla arriving in India,” the chief minister added. Tesla is also coming up with charging facilities in the region.

According to Fadnavis, the Tesla centre in Mumbai will not just be an experience centre, but also a delivery point, logistics centre and servicing unit.

Tesla debuted a range of cars at its new Mumbai showroom (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Meanwhile, triggering much excitement among automobile enthusiasts, booking has started for the zero-pollution Model Y electric car which can travel for up to 600 km after being charged for 15 minutes.

The Model Y, Tesla’s mass-market SUV, will likely be available in rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The car will be imported first and retailed via the experience centres.

The Maharashtra government has a dynamic policy in place to promote electric vehicles. It includes charging infrastructure, tax incentives, and special incentives for manufacturing. In the coming days, Maharashtra will become a major leader in the EV sector, the chief minister said. In Mumbai, 32 charging stations will be installed. The services will be expanded to two other cities as well.