Tesla Model Y Launch in India: Price, Specs & Bookings

On July 15, 2025, Tesla officially entered the Indian market by opening its first showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
With this launch, Tesla introduced its Model Y electric SUV, available for booking with a starting price of ₹60 lakh.

This marks a significant moment in India’s electric vehicle (EV) journey, as Tesla is one of the most prominent global EV manufacturers.

Tesla Model Y Key Highlights – At a Glance

The Tesla Model Y is a premium electric SUV designed for performance, range, and advanced technology. The table below presents its key features with simple descriptions to help you quickly understand what makes this vehicle special in the Indian market.

Feature	Details
Range	505 km per full charge – ideal for long-distance travel
Top Speed	217 km/h – provides a smooth and powerful highway driving experience
0–100 km/h	5.0 seconds – fast acceleration typical of high-performance EVs
Charging Time	30 minutes (fast charging) – quick recharge using DC fast chargers
Battery Capacity	75 kWh – a large battery for extended driving range and better performance
Drive Type	AWD (All-Wheel Drive) – better traction and control across all terrains
Import Status	CBU – Fully imported, which increases the cost due to import duties
Booking Status	Open now – available via Tesla’s official website and Mumbai showroom
Delivery Timeline	Expected by end of the year – likely to begin by late 2025

If you want to know more about the car’s features, click here.

Why is Tesla Model Y So Expensive in India?

The starting price of the Tesla Model Y in India is around ₹60 lakh, which may seem quite high compared to other cars in the market.
The main reason is that the car is not manufactured or assembled in India. Instead, it is imported as a fully built unit, also known as a CBU (Completely Built Unit).

When a vehicle is imported fully assembled from another country — including components like the engine, chassis, battery, and design — the Indian government imposes heavy import duties and taxes. These charges can often double the vehicle’s base cost.

As a result, the Model Y is significantly more expensive in India than in markets where it is manufactured or assembled locally.

Advantages of CBU:

• Maintains international build quality and design standards
• Allows companies to enter new markets quickly without setting up factories

Disadvantages of CBU:

• High import duties (often over 100%) raise the final cost significantly
• Less customization for local road and climate conditions
• Spare parts and after-sales service may be slower or limited

Tesla Model Y vs Other EVs – Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison between Tesla Model Y and some other top premium EVs available in India:

Feature / Vehicle	Tesla Model Y	Kia EV6	BMW iX1	Mercedes EQB	BYD Seal
Price (₹ lakh)	60 – 70 (CBU)	60 – 65	67 – 72	74 – 77	41 – 54
Range (km)	505	528	440	423	650
Top Speed (km/h)	217	192	180	160	180
0–100 km/h Time	5.0 sec	5.2 sec	5.6 sec	6.2 sec	3.8 sec
Charging Time (Fast)	30 min (Supercharger)	18 min (350kW DC)	30 min (130kW DC)	32 min (100kW DC)	26 min (150kW DC)
Battery Capacity	75 kWh	77.4 kWh	66.5 kWh	66.5 kWh	82.5 kWh
Drive Type	AWD	RWD / AWD	AWD	AWD	RWD / AWD
Made in India?	❌ (CBU)	❌ (CBU)	❌ (CBU)	❌ (CBU)	✅ (CKD)

• Tesla Model Y offers strong performance, high range, and advanced features — but at a premium price due to import duties.
• BYD Seal offers the longest range at a lower price, and it’s assembled locally, which reduces cost.
• Mercedes EQB and BMW iX1 appeal to luxury buyers, though they offer slightly lower range.
• Kia EV6 is a balanced EV in terms of price, range, and charging time.

Will Tesla Manufacture in India?

Currently, Tesla is not making vehicles in India.
However, talks are ongoing with the Indian government. If successful, Tesla might set up a local assembly or manufacturing plant, which would significantly reduce prices in the future.

Why Are Global EV Giants Focusing on India?

India is now the 3rd largest automobile market in the world.
With rising fuel prices and government support for EVs, global players like Tesla, BYD, and BMW are eager to tap into this growing market.

Government Policy & Tesla

The Indian government is offering subsidies and incentives for companies willing to manufacture or assemble EVs locally.
Tesla may benefit if it agrees to set up a local plant.

Is Model Y for Everyone?

Model Y is not for budget buyers.
With a price of ₹60–70 lakh, it is targeted at premium segment customers who value technology, brand image, and performance.

Service Centers & Charging Network

Tesla plans to expand in India with:

• More showrooms and service centers
• Fast charging infrastructure (Tesla Superchargers)
• Mobile service and on-road support

Social Media Reaction

People are excited about Tesla’s entry.
TeslaIndia has been trending across platforms. Many users call it their “dream car,” while others are concerned about the high price due to import duties.

Outcome:

Tesla’s official launch in India marks a major shift in the country’s electric vehicle landscape.
While the price is high today due to CBU imports, future local production could make Tesla more affordable for Indian consumers.

As more international brands step into the Indian EV market, the competition will drive innovation, improve infrastructure, and ultimately benefit the consumer.