Eknath Shinde Seen Driving Tesla After Mumbai Showroom Opens

A day after Tesla’s official entry into Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was spotted driving one of the electric cars, creating buzz online. The moment was captured and widely shared, with many seeing it as a strong message of political support for green mobility in India. Tesla’s presence in India could now be headed for a more visible and accelerated rollout.

CM Behind the Wheel
Eknath Shinde’s brief test drive of a Tesla car outside the newly launched showroom sent a clear signal—state support is very much in place for Tesla’s operations in India. The video shows him comfortably steering the EV, surrounded by a crowd of officials, media, and onlookers.

The act wasn’t just symbolic. It highlighted the political interest in promoting electric vehicles as part of India’s shift toward clean transport.

Tesla’s India Entry: What’s the Big Deal?
Tesla’s new showroom in Mumbai marks its first physical presence in India. The electric vehicle giant has been in talks with the Indian government for years, navigating policy, tax, and infrastructure issues before finally stepping in.

For Indian car enthusiasts and tech-savvy buyers, Tesla’s arrival opens up a new premium option in the electric segment. While pricing is still premium (starting around ₹60 lakh), Tesla cars are expected to attract urban buyers looking for luxury with sustainability.

Impact on Tier 2 Cities
While the showroom is based in Mumbai, Tier 2 cities like Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Indore, and Jaipur are likely to see ripple effects. Tesla’s entry will push local auto dealers and manufacturers to step up their EV offerings. Demand for EV charging infrastructure in these cities is also expected to rise.

For aspiring buyers in smaller cities, Tesla’s presence could bring attention to local policy gaps, battery swapping options, and EV financing models.

The Bigger Picture: EV Push in India
India is aiming to significantly boost its electric vehicle adoption by 2030. With players like Tata, Mahindra, and Ola already active in the space, Tesla’s entry adds global competition and may drive innovation and pricing shifts.

For state governments, it’s also about jobs, investment, and tech branding. Maharashtra being Tesla’s launchpad could mean future collaborations, local manufacturing discussions, or policy adjustments.

Conclusion
Eknath Shinde’s Tesla drive wasn’t just a photo op. It symbolised political endorsement of a tech shift that’s slowly finding its feet in India. As Tesla sets up shop, all eyes will be on how it navigates the Indian market—and how cities beyond metros adapt to the coming wave of electric mobility.