Tesla Appeal Fades Among India’s Loyalists, Despite Musk’s Delivery

Market News

Tesla sparked excitement when it entered India. Early supporters pre-booked cars in 2016, eager to drive the future. Yet, nearly a decade later, that excitement has faded for many loyalists.

We see disappointment replacing hope among Tesla’s first fans in India. Long waits, poor communication, and unclear support have frustrated people like Vishal Gondal and Amit Bhawani. Despite Elon Musk’s delivery promises, Tesla struggles to keep its early backers happy.

Why Tesla’s Early Supporters Feel Let Down

Tesla opened pre-bookings for the Model 3 in April 2016. Fans like Vishal Gondal paid $1,000 to reserve theirs. Nine years later, many still wait without their cars.

Gondal gave up on Tesla in 2025. He fought to get his refund in 2023, sending email after email. Amit Bhawani, another early backer, also walked away after years of silence.

Frustration grew as Tesla ignored its loyalists. The company left them out of showroom openings. For many, the dream of owning a Tesla turned sour.

Poor Communication Hurts Tesla’s Image

Tesla kept its early supporters in the dark. We found no updates reached reservation holders for years. Loyalists felt forgotten by the company they trusted.

Showroom openings came and went without invites for these fans. Vishal and others heard nothing from Tesla. This silence fueled their growing discontent.

Clarity on key details also vanished. Questions about repairs and support went unanswered. Tesla’s lack of effort left a mark on its reputation.

Limited Charging and Support Raise Doubts

Tesla’s plans for India lack detail. We know only eight charging stations are set for Delhi and Mumbai by Q3. This worries buyers outside those cities.

Owning a Tesla needs reliable charging options. With so few stations, many wonder if it’s practical. Rural areas seem out of reach for now.

After-sales service remains a mystery too. No one knows how Tesla will handle repairs. This uncertainty pushes loyalists toward other brands.

Comparing Tesla’s Charging Plans

Tesla

This table shows Tesla’s focus on just two cities. Eight stations won’t cover India’s vast landscape. Buyers need more to feel confident.

Tesla’s Reputation Takes a Hit

Delays and silence hurt Tesla’s standing in India. We hear “real hatred for Tesla” from some former fans. Eight out of 10 reservation holders share this frustration.

Amit Bhawani spoke out in a 2020 YouTube video. He got his refund but lost faith in Tesla. Others echo his feelings of betrayal.

Many now eye rival electric vehicles. Brands with better support gain ground. Tesla’s once-strong image weakens with each passing day.

What Lies Ahead for Tesla in India

Tesla faces big hurdles to win back trust. We see limited charging as a roadblock. Early backers may not return without fixes.

Better communication could help Tesla recover. Regular updates might ease doubts. Expanding support and stations is key too.

India’s electric vehicle market still holds promise. Tesla’s name carries weight here. With effort, it could turn the tide and thrive.

Steps Tesla Could Take

  1. Add more charging stations beyond Delhi and Mumbai.
  2. Send clear updates to reservation holders.
  3. Share plans for repairs and service centers.
  4. Invite loyalists to events and showrooms.
  5. Listen to feedback from early supporters.

These steps could rebuild faith in Tesla. Action matters more than promises now. Loyalists want results they can see.

Final Thoughts

Tesla’s start in India stumbled despite high hopes. We watched early supporters lose patience after years of waiting. Delays, silence, and shaky support dimmed Tesla’s shine.

The company can still rise in this growing market. Tesla needs to act fast to regain its loyalists. India’s electric future waits for no one

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.