Tesla Arrives in India: Model Y Hits the Roads

Official Launch: Model Y

• Tesla began deliveries of the Model Y in India today, July 15, 2025, with units imported from Shanghai and Berlin.

• Two variants are available:

  • Rear‑Wheel Drive (RWD): ₹60 lakh ($70,000)

  • Long‑Range AWD: ₹68 lakh. FSD is optional at ₹6 lakh ($600,000 at current exchange).

Mumbai Showroom Opens

• Tesla opened its first retail showroom at Maker Maxity Mall, BKC, Mumbai.

• Plans for a showroom and experience center in Delhi and NCR are underway.

Tesla’s India Outlook

• Tesla is competing in the premium EV segment, indirectly targeting German luxury brands rather than mass-market Indian makers like Tata or Mahindra

• Analysts note Tesla may increase EV awareness but local players have cost and infrastructure advantages.

Future Possibilities

• Grind on local assembly/manufacturing continues, potentially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu or Telangana.

• Talks include possible partnerships (e.g., Tata, Reliance) though nothing is finalized .

• Government EV policy incentives, including reduced tariffs for investments greater than ₹4,150 CR ($500M), could push Tesla to bring production locally.

Tesla Crew in India

• Tesla is hiring for key roles in support, retail, operations, and services across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

Tesla India Deliveries: What You Should Know

Delivery Timeline

• First batch of deliveries: Expected to begin in Q3 2025, likely between August–September.

• Models Delivered: Tesla is delivering imported Model Y units, assembled in Shanghai (Giga Shanghai) and Berlin (Giga Berlin).

• These are CBU (Completely Built Units)—meaning the cars are fully built overseas and shipped to India.

Delivery Locations

• Initial focus cities: Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru.

• Deliveries will be managed via Tesla’s official retail channel—starting with the Mumbai BKC showroom and service center.

• Test drives and customer handovers will likely follow Tesla’s global style: showroom experience → mobile app registration → doorstep delivery or scheduled center pick-up.

Booking Process

• Reservations are open via Tesla India’s new website (coming soon), with a fully online, app-based model:

  • No dealership haggling.

  • Transparent configuration and pricing.

  • Real-time updates through the Tesla app.

• Initial token amount expected: ₹2–2.5 lakh (refundable in early stages).

What Makes Tesla Unique in India?

Tech-Forward Driving Experience

• Autopilot (standard): Tesla’s driver-assist system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and auto-steering.

• Full Self Driving (FSD) (₹6 lakh extra): Available in India, though limited by local regulations. Adds features like Navigate on Autopilot, Smart Summon, Auto Lane Change.

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Like a smartphone, your Tesla gets smarter with each software update—new features, better efficiency, bug fixes.

Battery and Performance

• Model Y Long Range: ~530–540 km (WLTP) on a full charge.

• 0–100 km/h in – 5.0 seconds for AWD variant.

• World-class battery management ensures longevity and high safety standards.

Interior & User Interface

• Minimalist cabin: One giant 15-inch touchscreen controls almost everything.

• No start button, no gear lever – just tap the brake and drive.

• Integration with your Tesla mobile app altows you to:

  • Pre-cool the cabin remotely.

  • Unlock/lock.

  • View real-time charging status.

  • Schedule service.

Supercharger Ecosystem (Coming Soon)

• Tesla is expected to begin installing Superchargers in 2025, especially on highways connecting:

  • Mumbai–Pune

  • Delhi–Chandigarh

  • Bengaluru–Chennai

• Initially, it will rely on existing Type-2 AC and CCS2 DC fast chargers (compatible with India’s public infrastructure).

Premium Yet Simplified Ownership

• No Dealership Model: You buy directly from Tesla. It keeps pricing transparent, uniform, and haggling-free.

• Service is largely mobile—Tesla comes to your home for repairs and diagnostics in many cases.

• Resale and Battery Warranty:

  • 8-year battery warranty (192,000 km).

  • High resale value globally; in India, EV resale is nascent but expected to grow.

Compared to Local EVs