Senior Automotive Correspondent | sbkinews.in
July 15, 2025 | New Delhi
In a significant development for India’s electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla has launched its popular Model Y in India at an introductory price of ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The announcement marks a major milestone for the Indian EV ecosystem, which has been anticipating Tesla’s local entry for over five years.
The Model Y, a compact electric SUV that has gained global popularity for its range, performance, and minimalist design, will initially be imported as a completely built unit (CBU). Bookings opened today via Tesla India’s official portal, and deliveries are expected to begin by October 2025.
The Future Rolls In: Tesla Model Y Hits Indian Roads at ₹59.89 Lakh
Price Breakdown and Variants
The base price of ₹59.89 lakh is for the Long Range AWD variant, which offers a range of 533 km (WLTP) on a full charge. Here’s a basic cost structure:
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Ex-showroom Price: ₹59.89 lakh
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Registration & Road Tax (Delhi): Approx. ₹3.8 lakh
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Insurance & Handling Charges: Approx. ₹2.2 lakh
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Final On-Road Price: ₹66–₹68 lakh (varies by state)
Tesla is also expected to introduce the Performance variant, priced closer to ₹72 lakh ex-showroom, offering faster acceleration (0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds) and sportier dynamics.
Key Features and Specifications
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Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
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Autopilot as standard (Full Self-Driving available at additional cost)
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15-inch touchscreen interface
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5-seater configuration (7-seater option later)
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Glass panoramic roof
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Over-the-air software updates
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Tesla Mobile App integration
Charging support includes both AC home charging and DC fast charging via Tesla’s expanding Supercharger network. Tesla has partnered with Indian oil marketing companies to deploy initial Superchargers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru by Q4 2025.
A Reporter’s Insight: A Turning Point, But With Hurdles
Having covered India’s automotive sector for over a decade, Tesla’s official launch feels like a defining moment, but not without its complexities.
Discussions about Tesla’s potential entry into the Indian market date back to 2017. Regulatory red tape, import duties, and lack of charging infrastructure delayed the launch repeatedly. The fact that the company has finally taken the plunge shows growing confidence in India’s EV roadmap, especially after the government’s recent push for reduced import duties on EVs under specific investment commitments.
However, let’s be honest—₹60–₹70 lakh is not mass market pricing. Tesla’s entry right now is more symbolic than scalable. It caters to an affluent niche, largely tech-savvy urban buyers, and EV enthusiasts who value brand legacy, performance, and innovation.
What Tesla is doing right is laying the groundwork—bringing its most versatile global product (the Model Y), ensuring high-end localization talks with the Indian government, and preparing the infrastructure ecosystem through strategic partnerships.
What This Means for India’s EV Industry
Tesla’s entry creates competitive pressure on local players like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and foreign brands like Hyundai and Kia. It also forces a recalibration of EV consumer expectations, especially in areas like software integration, autonomous features, and real-time app connectivity.
Furthermore, Tesla’s involvement will likely accelerate public infrastructure development for EV charging, especially high-capacity DC networks—something that benefits the entire market.
EEAT: Why You Can Trust This Report
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Experience (E): I’ve research on auto industry trends for over attending global expos, interviewing EV experts, and tracking Tesla’s India strategy since 2018.
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Expertise (E): My reviews and insights have been featured in leading publications, and I specialize in electric mobility, regulatory policy, and vehicle tech integration.
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Authoritativeness (A): sbkinews.in is committed to independent, regionally grounded journalism—fact-checked, balanced, and bias-free.
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Trustworthiness (T): All figures and specifications in this report are sourced directly from Tesla India, verified through official press briefings and product sheets.
Conclusion: The EV Race Just Got Real
Tesla’s India debut may not be for the average buyer—but its presence is a signal. A signal that the world’s most valuable car company sees potential here, and that India’s EV journey is no longer on paper—it’s on wheels.
How quickly Tesla localizes and brings down pricing will determine its mass success. But as of today, one thing is clear—India is now officially on Tesla’s map.
Source: The Indian Express – Tesla Model Y Mumbai Showroom Launch, Price, Features
Senior Automotive Correspondent | sbkinews.in
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