Tesla has officially started its operations in India with the delivery of its first Model Y SUV, as the handover happened at Tesla’s new Experience Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Maharashtra Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik was the first Indian to get the car directly from Tesla.
This launch shows that seriousness of Tesla about entering into growing Indian market od electric vehicle (EV), supported by government incentives and rising interest in clean transportation.
Tesla Model Y: Owner Sarnaik Supports Green Mobility
Minister Sarnaik, a Shiv Sena leader, said he bought the Tesla not just for himself but to support Maharashtra’s green initiatives. He also plans to gift one to his grandson to encourage awareness of EVs among young people.
Maharashtra is actively promoting EV adoption. Toll exemptions on roads like the Samruddhi Expressway and Atal Setu are among the advantages. Additionally, the fleet of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)now includes around 5,000 electric buses.
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Tesla Model Y: Features & Prices
The Tesla Model Y comes in two versions:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 60kWh battery, range up to 500 km, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Long Range RWD (LR RWD): 70kWh battery, range up to 622 km, 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The RWD starts at ₹59.89 lakh ($67,954), and the LR RWD costs ₹67.89 lakh ($77,032). Customers can choose premium colours for extra charges: Pearl White and Diamond Black for ₹95,000, Glacier Blue, Quicksilver, or Ultra Red for ₹1.25–1.85 lakh.
Challenges for Tesla in India
Tesla still faces some hurdles in India, as It has received only about 600 bookings in India, which was much lower than expected. High import taxes can reach 110%, and this is what makes the Model Y more expensive than other local EVs.
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Tesla has reduced its 2025 shipment plans by 80%, now aiming to deliver just 350–500 units this year. Competing brands like Tata Motors and MG Motors offer more affordable electric cars, which appeal to Indian buyers. A proposed increase in GST on luxury EVs up to 40% could make Tesla cars even more expensive. The GST Council will make a final decision soon.
Tesla’s Future Plans in India
The first Model Y delivery shows Tesla is serious about India. The company will need to adjust to local market conditions, pricing, and customer preferences in the coming months. How well Tesla navigates these challenges will decide its future success in India’s EV market.
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