Tesla's long-awaited entry into India's electric vehicle landscape took a decisive stride forward on September 29, 2025, as the company commenced deliveries of its flagship Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant, just two months after its official launch on July 15, 2025. Priced at an introductory ex-showroom rate of Rs 59.89 lakh (approximately $70,000), the Model Y marks Tesla's debut in the world's third-largest automotive market, where EVs currently constitute a mere 4% of sales. Despite steep import tariffs—up to 70% plus a 30% luxury tax—pushing prices significantly higher than in the US ($44,990) or China ($36,700), Tesla has garnered over 600 bookings since launch, signaling strong interest from affluent buyers seeking premium, tech-laden mobility. Initial deliveries prioritize customers in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and now Pune, with the brand's Mumbai showroom at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) serving as a hub for this rollout.
The Model Y, a refreshed 2025 iteration of the world's once-best-selling car, is available in two India-specific trims: the base RWD with a 63kWh battery offering a WLTP-certified range of 500 km and 0-100 kmph acceleration in about 6.9 seconds, and the upcoming Long Range RWD variant boasting an 83kWh pack for up to 622 km of range and a top speed of 201 kmph. Both are imported from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, and feature a minimalist interior with a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, an 8-inch rear passenger display, ventilated seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems like Autopilot. Optional upgrades, including the full self-driving capability for Rs 6 lakh extra and custom colors adding up to Rs 1.85 lakh, cater to personalization. While a dual-motor AWD Performance version exists globally, Tesla has opted for RWD configurations to align with India's right-hand-drive needs and cost sensitivities.
To sweeten the deal and accelerate adoption, Tesla is bundling a complimentary Wall Connector with every new Model Y purchase—a Level 2 home charger that delivers up to 44 miles of range per hour, enabling overnight charging to start each day fully powered. This perk, installable at homes or offices, underscores Tesla's ecosystem approach, slashing per-mile costs compared to fossil fuels and eliminating refueling station visits. Complementing this, Tesla's nascent charging network includes the BKC Mumbai station with four V4 Superchargers (up to 250 kW DC fast-charging, adding 267 km in 15 minutes) and four AC Destination Chargers, plus the Aerocity Delhi site featuring four Superchargers and three Destination Chargers. Plans are underway for eight more locations in Mumbai and Delhi, with ambitions to expand nationwide as Tesla invests in infrastructure amid CEO Elon Musk's advocacy for reduced import duties.
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Customers can seamlessly order the Model Y via Tesla's official Indian website with a Rs 22,220 token amount, or visit Experience Centers in Mumbai and Delhi for hands-on demos. Online test drive bookings are now live, featuring curated routes to showcase the SUV's responsive handling, quiet cabin, and over-the-air software updates. This launch positions the Model Y against premium rivals like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, and Mercedes-Benz EQC, rather than mass-market options from Tata or Mahindra. As Tesla "tests the waters" without immediate local manufacturing—despite policy incentives for factories—the Model Y's arrival could catalyze India's EV growth, projected to hit 30% market share by 2030, while challenging legacy players in the luxury segment.
With deliveries ramping up and the Long Range trim slated for imminent rollout, Tesla is not just selling cars but building a sustainable future in India. Elon Musk's vision of an "ecosystem" encompassing solar energy and energy storage aligns with the country's green ambitions, though high prices may limit initial volumes to urban elites. As more owners plug in via Wall Connectors and Superchargers, the Model Y promises to redefine electric ownership, blending cutting-edge tech with environmental responsibility in a market ripe for disruption.