by
Mansvini Kaushik
|
Jul 15, 2025
Share this article:
Technology
After years of speculation, diplomatic dialogues, and quiet market assessments, Tesla has officially arrived in India. The world’s most valuable electric vehicle maker, long considered a missing player in the Indian market, marked its entry with the opening of its first Tesla Experience Center in Mumbai on July 15, with a Delhi outpost soon to follow.
At the heart of this launch is the Model Y—the world’s best-selling electric vehicle in both 2023 and 2024—now redesigned for India. The crossover SUV will be offered in two trims: Rear-Wheel Drive (₹59.89 lakh) and Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (₹67.89 lakh). Both variants promise high performance, with the latter boasting a range of 622 km (WLTP) and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. But it's not just about numbers — the Model Y's aesthetic cues, like its futuristic cyber design inspired by the Cybertruck and Cybercab, hint at Tesla’s intent to bring global trends onto Indian roads.
“We have customised it for Indian roads and the Indian liking,” said Isabelle Fan, Director, Tesla South East Asia, at the Mumbai launch. “We are planning to roll out the editions by the end of this year.”
While orders are now open, clarity on actual road presence remains cautious. Deliveries are scheduled for Q3 2025 (Rear-Wheel Drive) and Q4 2025 (Long Range) — timelines that suggest Tesla is treading deliberately in a notoriously complex market. “It should be out on the roads around November-December, says Fan. “We opened the link for pre orders today and have already seen a lot of interest in a days span,” she adds.
The Charging Puzzle
Tesla’s India entry isn’t just about cars, it's also a play on infrastructure. The company announced it will open four Supercharging stations, each in Mumbai and Delhi, alongside its first indoor hybrid charging station, combining Superchargers and Destination chargers. These hubs, critical for Tesla’s ownership experience, are expected to serve both long-distance and city driving needs.
But if charging stations are limited to just Mumbai and Delhi, how does anyone outside these cities access the full Tesla ownership experience? It’s a question I posed to several Tesla representatives at the launch event. With no clear answers, they acknowledged that while India is steadily becoming more EV-friendly, there’s still a long road ahead. For now, it’s a moment of celebration for Mumbai and Delhi — customers here can walk into the experience centers and book a test drive. The Model Y, available in red and white, is currently open for test drives.
According to Tesla, its global Supercharging network has a 99.95% uptime, with peak charging capacity allowing 267 km in 15 minutes — a statistic that could redefine Indian EV expectations if delivered on ground.
India’s Role in Tesla’s Global Playbook
Tesla’s entry is more than a market expansion; it’s a strategic move to capture a slice of a burgeoning, competitive EV segment in India. With players like Tata, Mahindra, and international luxury brands in the fray, Tesla’s differentiator remains its software, performance, and cult-like brand following.
However, early signals show a cautious approach. The company is yet to announce localized manufacturing or partnerships, and deliveries are still a few months away. But the promise is clear: Tesla wants to lead India’s zero-emission future, offering free wall connectors with every purchase to further EV adoption at home.
With its first physical address in Mumbai’s BKC (Maker Maxity), the showroom is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, inviting customers not just to see the cars, but experience them.
Share this article:
Mansvini Kaushik
Mansvini Kaushik is the Editor-in-Chief of Indulge Newsroom, the editorial division of Indulge Global. A seasoned business and investigative journalist, she brings years of experience from Forbes India, where she honed her craft in high-impact storytelling. With a deep-rooted passion for luxury and culture, Mansvini founded Candle Magazine before taking the helm at Indulge Newsroom. She now leads the publication with a vision to redefine luxury journalism in India.
