Tesla has officially launched in India with the Model Y electric SUV, marking a significant milestone after years of anticipation. Starting at Rs 59.89 lakh, the Model Y represents Tesla’s entry into India’s growing premium electric vehicle market.
The American electric vehicle giant opened its first showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex on July 15, 2025, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attending the launch event. This marks the end of a long-awaited journey that began with public discussions about Tesla’s India entry as early as 2016.
Tesla Model Y Variants and Pricing
Tesla is offering two variants of the Model Y in India, both featuring rear-wheel drive configuration:
Standard Rear-Wheel Drive
- Price: Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: Up to 500 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
- Top speed: 201 km/h
- Weight: 1,928 kg
Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive
- Price: Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: Up to 622 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds
- Top speed: 201 km/h
- Weight: 1,901 kg
Both variants support DC fast charging up to 250 kW, allowing the Model Y to recover 267 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes.
Key Features and Specifications
The Tesla Model Y comes packed with premium features that justify its luxury positioning:
Exterior Design
- Length: 4,790mm
- Width: 1,982mm
- Height: 1,624mm
- Slim LED headlamps with sculpted front end
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Connected LED tail lights
- Six color options available (Stealth Grey is standard)
Interior and Technology
- 15.4-inch central touchscreen
- 8-inch rear entertainment screen
- Three-spoke steering wheel
- Reclining rear seats with AC vents
- Wireless phone charger
- 9-speaker sound system
- Air purifier
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Safety and Assistance
- Multiple airbags
- Integrated dashcam
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability available as optional upgrade for Rs 6 lakh
Charging Infrastructure and Delivery
Tesla is building a comprehensive charging network to support Model Y owners. The company plans to install V4 Superchargers across India, starting with four charging hubs in Mumbai:
- Lower Parel
- Bandra-Kurla Complex
- Navi Mumbai
- Thane
Each hub will feature 16 Superchargers and 16 Destination Chargers. Every Model Y purchase includes a complimentary home wall charger.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2025, with initial availability in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Model Y’s pricing positions it firmly in India’s luxury EV segment, competing with premium offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz rather than mass-market brands. Currently, EVs represent 12% of the luxury car segment in India, with BMW leading at 18% of its total sales.
The Indian pricing is significantly higher than international markets due to import duties. For comparison:
- USA: $44,990 (approximately Rs 38.63 lakh)
- China: 263,500 yuan (approximately Rs 31.57 lakh)
- Germany: 45,970 euros (approximately Rs 46.09 lakh)
This price difference stems from India’s high import duties on completely built units (CBUs), which can reach up to 100% for vehicles above $40,000.
Government Support and Policy Changes
The Indian government introduced new EV policies in 2024 to attract manufacturers like Tesla. The policy allows global manufacturers to import up to 8,000 electric vehicles annually at reduced customs duty of 15% for five years, provided they:
- Invest minimum Rs 4,150 crore in manufacturing facilities
- Have annual revenue of at least Rs 10,000 crore
- Maintain fixed assets worth minimum Rs 3,000 crore
- Import vehicles with minimum value of $35,000
This policy effectively reduces Tesla’s import burden from the standard 100% duty to just 15%.
Manufacturing Plans and Future Outlook
While Tesla has not confirmed immediate manufacturing plans for India, industry observers believe the company could transition to local assembly and eventually full-scale manufacturing in phases. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis actively courted Tesla during the launch, emphasizing the state’s progressive EV policies and manufacturing incentives.
Isabel Fan, a Tesla regional director, indicated the company’s long-term commitment: “We are here to create the ecosystem, to invest in the necessary infrastructure including the charging infrastructure. We are building from 0 to 100. It will take time to cover the whole country.”
Booking and Purchase Process
Interested buyers can book the Model Y for a token amount of Rs 22,220, with an additional Rs 3 lakh required within one week. The booking process is available through Tesla’s Mumbai showroom and online platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the Model Y compare to other luxury EVs in India?
A. The Model Y offers superior range and advanced technology features compared to most luxury EVs currently available in India, though at a premium price point.
Q. What warranty does Tesla offer in India?
A. Tesla provides comprehensive warranty coverage, though specific details for the Indian market are available through authorized dealers.
Q. Can I get service support across India?
A. Tesla is expanding its service network, starting with Mumbai and planning expansion to Delhi and other major cities.
Q. What charging options are available?
A. Tesla provides Supercharger network access, home wall charger installation, and compatibility with other DC fast charging networks.
Q. Are there any government incentives for Tesla buyers?
A. Buyers may be eligible for state-specific EV incentives, which vary by location and are subject to change.
The Road Ahead for Tesla in India
Tesla’s entry into India represents more than just another luxury car launch it signals the maturation of India’s premium EV market. With the government’s supportive policies, growing charging infrastructure, and increasing consumer awareness about electric vehicles, Tesla is well-positioned to capture significant market share.
The success of Model Y in India could pave the way for Tesla’s other models and potentially attract the company to establish manufacturing operations in the country. As Elon Musk’s vision of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy takes root in India, the Model Y launch marks just the beginning of Tesla’s Indian journey.
For those ready to embrace the future of electric mobility, the Tesla Model Y offers a compelling combination of performance, technology, and sustainability though at a price that reflects its premium positioning in the Indian market.
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