Tesla’s $1,000 Pre-booking Leaves Early Indian Supporters Disillusioned

Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into the Indian market has not sparked the excitement it once promised, particularly among the earliest backers who had pre-booked the Model 3 nearly a decade ago. Many of these early supporters, who paid a $1,000 deposit in 2016, are now expressing frustration over the long wait, poor communication, and the lack of a tangible product. Instead of the expected fanfare, Tesla’s India launch has led to bitterness and disillusionment.

A Disappointing Experience for Early Backers

One of the most vocal early supporters, Vishal Gondal, founder of GOQii, pre-ordered a Tesla Model 3 just hours after registrations opened. He visited Tesla’s showroom in Bandra-Kurla Complex, but his excitement soon turned to disappointment. Gondal admitted feeling underwhelmed by the experience and shared his frustration with TechCrunch, noting that he had to chase the company for a refund in 2023 after waiting for years with no car in sight.

The situation wasn’t just about the delayed delivery—it was the process of getting his money back. Gondal humorously pointed out that had he invested the $1,000 in Tesla’s IPO, he would have made a better return. This sentiment echoed among other early backers who felt the brand neglected them after their early investment.

A Lack of Acknowledgment from Tesla

The frustration over Tesla’s lack of recognition for its early Indian supporters was widespread. Varun Krishnan, founder of tech blog FoneArena, expressed his discontent, pointing out how other companies, like Starlink, managed to secure approvals faster than Tesla. Vishal Gondal also criticized Tesla for not reaching out to those who had pre-booked, saying the company could have hosted a special event for early supporters. Instead, their loyalty seemed unappreciated.

The disappointment was not just felt by individuals like Gondal but also by influential figures such as Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm. Sharma, once an early advocate, now says he would rather wait for a broader selection of cars, as the current offerings do not meet his expectations. This shift in sentiment among influential buyers has raised concerns about Tesla’s brand recall in India.

The Reality of the Tesla Launch in India

Tesla’s official launch in India saw the debut of the Model Y—a significant departure from the much-anticipated Model 3. The Model Y is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh (around $68,000), nearly 50% more than its U.S. price due to import duties. Without local manufacturing and sufficient charging infrastructure, the Model Y’s steep price tag leaves even the most loyal fans questioning their decisions.

Amit Bhawani, founder of Phoneradar, described the launch as “the coldest launch” after waiting years for a Model 3 that never materialized. Many reservation holders, like Kawaljit Singh Bedi, co-founder of Frammer AI, expressed that they were no longer in a hurry to buy a Tesla, having waited for nearly a decade already.

A Lost Opportunity for Tesla’s India Journey

The $1,000 pre-booking sparked years of anticipation but resulted in little reward for the early adopters. Instead of creating excitement, Tesla’s delayed entry and poor communication have left a bitter taste for many. As a result, Tesla’s debut in India risks alienating its once-loyal fanbase, leaving some of its earliest believers reconsidering their support for the brand.