Indians Predict Elon Musk’s Flying Car Invention Following Tesla’s Pothole Driving Experience at Launch Event

This article does not constitute investment advice. The author does not hold any shares in the companies mentioned.

Tesla’s long-awaited showroom in Mumbai opened its doors today, sparking discussions online regarding the durability of its vehicles in India’s challenging driving conditions. Indian tariffs present a significant obstacle for Tesla, as evidenced by the steep price of the Tesla Model Y, which sits at approximately $70, 000 in India—nearly double its cost in China. However, the elevated price tag may not be the only concern for prospective Tesla owners, as social media users voiced their skepticism about the cars’ ability to navigate the notorious potholes found throughout the country.

Should Tesla Adapt Its Full-Self Driving Technology for Indian Roads?

Alongside Elon Musk, many Indians are expressing dissatisfaction over the exorbitant tariffs imposed on Tesla, which significantly inflate the overall cost of the vehicles. One Twitter user connected the costly price point—INR 6.1 million, with INR 2.9 million going to the government—to the frequent frustrations caused by potholes. The user articulated a sentiment shared by many, stating that the high taxes are essentially a payment “to drive your car on potholes or broken bridges, ”even dubbing it “Tax Terrorism.”

Another user shared their disappointment at having waited since 2017 for Tesla’s debut in India, ultimately deciding against purchasing a vehicle due to the hefty tax burden.“Would have bought the car on Day-1, ”they wrote, “but I will not be paying 3 million in taxes for roads littered with potholes.”

The perception that Tesla vehicles are ill-equipped for Indian conditions extends beyond pricing concerns. An X user named M K commented on Tesla India’s social media, asserting that their cars would struggle with “potholes, encroachment, wrong-side driving, and other hurdles”typically found in urban areas.

Discussions regarding Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) technology also gained traction, particularly concerning its capability to handle pothole-ridden roads. A user quipped about the FSD’s navigation abilities: “Tesla in India? Can’t wait for self-driving to crash into potholes with precision, ”while another noted: “Tesla’s Autopilot will require AI plus divine intervention to navigate the unpredictable traffic conditions here.”

In a more optimistic take, user Sagnik Roy expressed hope that Tesla could refine its FSD technology while adapting to the unique challenges of Indian roads: “Maybe launching Tesla FSD Autodrive in India isn’t the best idea, ”he said, adding that he hopes Tesla considers training its model for potholes, sharp turns, and other obstacles typical on Indian streets.

Another user, identified as SRK, humorously speculated that Musk might invent flying cars following the tumultuous experience of Indian roadways. Inviting Musk to experience Indian driving firsthand, the user remarked, “@elonmusk should come to Mumbai and drive @Tesla through pothole-riddled roads, ”expressing confidence that such an experience might prompt innovations tailored for Indian conditions.

Following its launch in Mumbai, Tesla plans to establish another showroom in Delhi. Due to the high tariffs, Tesla’s chief competitors in the Indian market will predominantly be luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes Benz. This Indian launch occurs as Tesla faces decreasing sales in Europe and North America, resulting in excess production capacity. Analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald anticipate that Tesla will “revisit”its 2025 sales strategy during the upcoming Q2 earnings call.

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