Tesla Model Y India Launch: Price, Features, Variants.
Tesla officially launched the Model Y in India on July 15, 2025, marking a major milestone in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) journey. As the world’s third-largest automotive market, India has long awaited Tesla’s entry. The launch event took place at Tesla’s newly opened showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), attended by dignitaries including Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who emphasized Mumbai’s alignment with innovation and sustainability.
Tesla’s Expansion Plans in India
With the opening of its first showroom in Mumbai, Tesla is laying the foundation for broader operations in India. A second showroom is set to open in New Delhi by August 2025, accompanied by experience centers, service hubs, delivery operations, and charging infrastructure. An engineering hub is already functioning in Pune, signaling Tesla’s long-term commitment despite the absence of local manufacturing.
Booking & Delivery Timeline
Bookings for the Model Y are live on Tesla’s India website, requiring a token amount of Rs. 22,220, followed by Rs. 3 lakh within 7 days for confirmation. Deliveries for the Standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant are expected to begin between July–September 2025, while the Long Range RWD deliveries are slated for October 2025. Priority cities for delivery include Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and Pune.
Tesla Model Y Price and Variants in India
Imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) from China, the Tesla Model Y variants in India come at a premium due to steep import duties of up to 110%.
1. Standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 59.89 lakh
- On-road price: ~Rs. 61.07 lakh
- Battery: 60–63 kWh
- Power: ~283–299 hp
- Range (WLTP): 500 km
- 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 201 km/h
2. Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 67.89 lakh
- On-road price: ~Rs. 69.15 lakh
- Battery: 75–83 kWh
- Power: ~312–340 hp
- Range (WLTP): 622 km
- 0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 201 km/h
Optional Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Tesla offers an FSD (Supervised) upgrade for Rs. 6 lakh, including features like Auto Lane Change, Navigate on Autopilot, and Smart Parking. However, it is pending regulatory approval in India and will be activated via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Design, Features & Technology
Exterior Styling
The Tesla Model Y is a compact crossover SUV, measuring approximately 4.8 meters—comparable to the Toyota Fortuner. It features a badge-less front, sleek LED headlights, and a full-width LED light bar. Available colors include:
- Stealth Grey (standard)
- Premium shades like Ultra Red, Pearl White, Glacier Blue, and more (costing up to Rs. 1.85 lakh extra)
Interior Experience
The minimalist, tech-forward cabin includes:
- 15.4-inch touchscreen for all controls
- 8-inch rear display
- Heated & ventilated power front seats
- Heated, foldable rear seats
- Wireless charging & premium sound system
Buyers can opt for a black-and-white interior for Rs. 95,000 extra. The spacious cabin ensures comfort even for tall passengers.
Safety & Updates
Tesla claims the Model Y is among the safest SUVs, with over 250 OTA feature updates in 2024. Standard safety tech includes:
- Autopilot
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
Charging Infrastructure in India
Tesla plans to deploy Supercharger networks in India’s key cities:
- Mumbai: 16 superchargers + 16 destination chargers
- Delhi NCR: 16 superchargers + 15 destination chargers
The Supercharger V3 adds up to 267 km of range in just 15 minutes. Early buyers will receive a complimentary wall-mounted home charger.
Key Challenges for Tesla in India
1. High Pricing Due to Import Duties
The Model Y is priced higher in India compared to other countries:
- USA: $44,990 (~Rs. 38.63 lakh)
- China: 263,500 yuan (~Rs. 31.57 lakh)
- Germany: €45,970 (~Rs. 46.09 lakh)
India imposes 70% basic customs duty, plus a 30% luxury tax on imported EVs, significantly increasing costs.
2. Limited Infrastructure & Service Network
While Tesla is setting up its own charging and service ecosystem, India’s overall EV infrastructure remains limited. Potholes, unpredictable traffic, and stray animals also raise concerns for autonomous driving.
3. After-Sales Support
Tesla currently has limited service coverage, with showrooms only in Mumbai and Delhi. In contrast, competitors like Hyundai and Tata offer extensive dealer networks and locally produced EVs.
What’s Next for Tesla in India?
Manufacturing Outlook
Tesla has not confirmed local manufacturing yet. Experts suggest that full-scale production in India might not start before 2028–2030, dependent on government incentives and battery supply chain maturity.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y’s India launch represents a turning point for the country’s electric mobility journey. With futuristic features, advanced safety, and strong brand appeal, it appeals to premium EV enthusiasts. However, high import costs and limited infrastructure may cap its mass-market potential for now.
Still, Tesla’s brand presence and ecosystem development in India lay the groundwork for long-term disruption—especially if manufacturing or duty cuts align with India’s EV vision.
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