Tesla is no longer among India’s top 10 electric vehicle makers, and the reason isn’t hard to spot. Sales remain low. At the same time, Maruti Suzuki has edged into the list, not on deliveries, but on early bookings for its upcoming electric models. The two developments sit at opposite ends of the spectrum and say a lot about how India’s EV market is shaping up.
Tesla’s Numbers in India So Far
As per the latest available data, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd has sold 35 units in January 2026 so far. With four days still to go in the month, the number could move a bit, but it hasn’t picked up in any meaningful way.
Step back and look at 2025, and the picture stays the same. Sales were patchy, with some months seeing no movement at all. Even the better months were modest, and the year wrapped up at 226 units overall. There was no stretch where demand showed sustained momentum.
Taken together, the volumes simply aren’t enough for Tesla to hold on to a place in India’s top 10 EV sellers.
Why Tesla Dropped Out
Tesla’s slide out of the rankings didn’t happen overnight. It’s been building up for a while. The brand still doesn’t have:
- A locally made, mass-market EV
- Pricing that works for the broader Indian market
- A wide sales and service network
- Fresh launches to pull attention back
With January 2026 sales so far at 35 units, following a weak 2025 that closed at 226 units, the gap between Tesla’s global standing and its on-ground performance in India remains clear. In that context, slipping down the table was almost inevitable.
How Maruti Suzuki Entered Without Deliveries
Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the top 10 tells a very different story. The company hasn’t started EV deliveries at scale yet, but it has already received around 121 bookings (approximate) for its upcoming electric offerings. These aren’t retail sales, but they were enough to push Maruti into the rankings.
It’s an unusual situation, but not a surprising one. Even before a single mass-market EV hits the road, Maruti’s name alone is enough to draw interest.
What This Says About the Indian EV Market
India’s EV rankings are no longer about who has the biggest global name. They’re being shaped by much simpler factors:
- Who can price their cars right
- Who has showrooms and service centres within reach
- Who can deliver steady numbers month after month
Tesla’s global image hasn’t translated into sales here. Maruti, on the other hand, has managed to generate traction on trust alone.
Where Things Stand
Tesla dropping out of India’s top 10 EV makers isn’t about relevance or reputation. It comes down to sales on the ground. Tesla has sold 35 units so far in January 2026, which says a lot about how it’s performing locally.
Maruti’s entry on bookings alone shows the kind of trust it enjoys. With a few days left in the month, the rankings could still move. But one thing is already clear: in India’s EV market, numbers matter more than noise.
