After years of speculation and stop‑start negotiations, Tesla has officially launched in India. But as Elon Musk’s electric giant hits Indian roads, one big question lingers: Did Tesla wait too long?
Let’s break down everything you need to know prices, variants, EMI plans, colors, bookings, and whether the Model Y is worth it for Indian buyers in 2025.
Quick Intro: Why the Wait?
India has been waiting for Tesla for nearly a decade. The brand teased entry back in 2016, even started accepting online reservations but nothing materialized.
So, what changed?
- High import duties (up to 100%) made Tesla cars unviable.
- Tesla wanted duty relief before local investment India said: “Build here first.”
· In 2024, Elon Musk was all set to visit India but things fell apart at the last minute over policy disagreements. The trip was called off, and hopes fizzled out yet again
· Then came a surprising turnaround in early 2025. The Indian government finally rolled out a friendlier EV policy slashing import duties to 15% on electric cars priced under $35, 000, but with one condition: manufacturers must commit to setting up local production down the line.
Now, Tesla's first stop is Mumbai a luxury segment test before wider rollout.
Pricing Deep Dive: Ex-Showroom vs. On-Road
Tesla’s Model Y is the first car on offer in India. It comes in two variants:
| Variant | Ex‑Showroom (₹) | On‑Road Delhi (₹) | On‑Road Mumbai (₹) |
| Model Y RWD | ₹59.89 lakh | ₹61.06 lakh | ₹61.07 lakh |
| Model Y Long Range RWD | ₹67.89 lakh | ₹69.14 lakh | ₹69.15 lakh |
Optional Upgrade:
- Full Self‑Driving (FSD) capability - Add ₹6–7 lakh (not standard yet)
- White &Black premium interior - Add ₹95, 000
Yes, these prices place the Model Y firmly in the premium EV segment, competing with Mercedes EQB, BMW iX1, and BYD Seal.
Finance Breakdown: EMI, Booking &Down Payment
If you’re not dropping ₹70 lakh upfront, here's what ownership might look like on a loan:
- Booking amount: ₹22, 222 (fully refundable)
- Minimum down payment: ₹6 - 7 lakh (10 - 12%)
- Loan tenure: 60 months
- Interest: 9% per annum (standard car loan rates)
Approx EMI Estimates:
| Variant | EMI (60 months) |
| Model Y RWD | ₹1.14 lakh/month |
| Long Range RWD | ₹1.29 lakh/month |
Note: Final EMI varies by bank, CIBIL score, and city taxes.
Style Choices: Colors &Interiors
If looks matter (and they do with a Tesla), here’s what you get to choose:
Exterior Colors:
- Stealth Grey (default)
- Pearl White Multi‑Coat
- Ultra Red
- Deep Blue Metallic
- Diamond Black
- Quicksilver
- Glacier Blue (new addition!)
Interior Options:
- All-Black (standard)
- Black &White (premium) - ₹95, 000 extra
Tesla’s clean, futuristic cabin includes:
- 15" center touchscreen
- All‑glass panoramic roof
- Vegan leather seating
- Wireless charging and premium audio
Booking &Delivery Timeline
Where to book: Online via Tesla’s India website (active now). Or walk into the Mumbai BKC experience center.
Who can book now: Residents of Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram first batch cities.
First deliveries:
- Expected from September - October 2025
- Mumbai deliveries will kick off, Delhi / Gurugram to follow.
Coming Soon to More Cities
While Tesla’s initial rollout is focused on Mumbai and Delhi - NCR, other metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are likely to follow by early 2026, depending on how strong the early demand is. Expansion will be gradual, but it is definitely on the cards.
So… Is Tesla Late to the Game?
Tesla looked at entering India years ago, but things have changed a lot since then. Now in 2025, the Indian EV market is bigger, growing faster, and a lot more competitive than it used to be.
So, what’s changed?
- EV adoption has taken off - In 2024 alone, India sold over 1.5 million electric vehicles, though luxury EVs still make up a small slice of that pie.
- Charging networks are growing fast – Thanks to players like Tata Power, Reliance, and Charge Zone, public fast chargers are becoming more accessible especially in urban centers.
- Policy is finally on Tesla’s side The government is now offering lower import duties, extended FAME-II benefits, and state-level incentives to boost EV adoption.
But here’s the flip side...
- Tesla now faces serious competition Brands like Hyundai (Ioniq 5), BMW (i4, iX1), and BYD are already here, selling and scaling.
- Homegrown players are dominating the entry-level EV game – Tata Motors and Mahindra are owning the affordable EV space with models like the Nexon EV and XUV400.
Final Takeaway: Should You Buy One?
Buy the Model Y if you:
- Want a globally loved EV brand with cutting-edge tech
- Live in a metro city with charging infrastructure
- Don’t mind the premium price tag
Wait if you:
- Expect price drops from local production
- Want cheaper EVs - MG ZS EV, Tata Nexon EV Max, etc.
- Live outside Tier 1 cities
Bonus Thought: Is This Just the Beginning?
With Tesla now in, the real question is will locally manufacturing follow? Rumors suggest Tesla may scout Gujarat or Maharashtra for a Gigafactory by 2026. And let’s not forget Starlink, which Musk wants to bring to India too.
So, this isn’t just about selling cars. Tesla’s India story may just be starting.
Just as Tata EVs are dominating Indian roads in 2025, NRI investors are increasingly looking to India for smarter, long-term growth options.