Startup Originals Team
Tesla has officially begun its journey in India with the delivery of its first Model Y electric SUV. The vehicle was handed over to Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, marking a symbolic milestone in promoting sustainable mobility across the country. The handover took place at Tesla’s newly established Experience Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.
Delivery Details: A High-Profile First:
Minister Sarnaik received the Tesla Model Y on September 5, 2025, becoming the first official recipient in India. The delivery did not involve any discounts, he paid the full price. According to the minister, this gesture is intended to inspire awareness about electric vehicles, especially among the younger generation. He even plans to gift the car to his grandson, hoping children will see and understand the importance of sustainable transport.
Variants, Pricing, and Features:
Tesla is offering two variants of the Model Y in India:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Long Range RWD – ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
Features across both variants include:
- 15.4-inch central infotainment screen
- Optional rear passenger displays
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated and ventilated seats
- 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic fixed glass roof, and powered rear liftgate
- Availability in six exterior colors and two interior trims
Performance and Range:
| Variant | Battery | Range (claimed) | 0–100 km/h Time | Top Speed | Supercharging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD (60 kWh) | 60 kWh | 500 km | 5.9 sec | 201 km/h | ~238 km in 15 min |
| Long Range RWD (75 kWh) | 75 kWh | 622 km | 5.6 sec | 201 km/h | ~267 km in 15 min |
An optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) package is available for an additional ₹6 lakh.
Bookings, Deliveries & Market Response:
Tesla began taking bookings and inaugurated its first showroom in Mumbai on July 15, followed by a second centre in Delhi.
To date, the company has received around 600 bookings, a figure well below expectations.
In response, Tesla plans to ship only 350 to 500 units to India in 2025, down from earlier projections of 2,500. The first shipment is arriving from its Shanghai facility in early September, with deliveries confined to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram.
Challenges: High Prices and Launch Realities:
Several factors are dampening demand for Tesla in India:
- Steep pricing, fueled by hefty import duties, up to 110% – has priced the Model Y nearly double its US cost, drawing online criticism and even memes dubbing it “TAX-LA.”
- Sales in the ₹45 to ₹70 lakh segment remain modest, with only around 2,800 units sold in H1 2025. In comparison, Chinese EV maker BYD sold over 1,200 units of the Sealion 7 at a lower price point.
- Broader concerns include India’s limited EV infrastructure, price sensitivity, and geopolitical tensions affecting tariff relief.
Nonetheless, Tesla continues to move forward, expanding experience centers and planning to roll out charging infrastructure in key cities.
Conclusion:
Tesla’s first Model Y delivery in India, handed to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik-signals a significant step forward for EV mobility in the country. Despite early enthusiasm, the adoption is tempered by pricing and infrastructure hurdles. The next few months will be critical in assessing Tesla’s ability to gain traction amid India’s competitive and price-sensitive market.
