Tesla Delivers First Model Y in India to Maharashtra Minister in Mumbai
Tesla Delivers First Model Y in India to Maharashtra Minister in Mumbai
Tesla has officially marked its entry into the Indian automotive landscape with the delivery of its first Model Y to a customer in Mumbai. The premium electric SUV was handed over to Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at Tesla’s newly inaugurated Experience Centre located in the city’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex. The showroom, which opened its doors to the public on July 15, is one of Tesla’s first physical footprints in India.
The white Model Y received by the minister represents a significant milestone not just for Tesla but also for the country’s evolving electric vehicle ecosystem. Expressing his enthusiasm, Sarnaik shared that he was proud to be the first customer in India to receive a Tesla. He clarified that the car was purchased at the full retail price with no discounts or special privileges, adding that he plans to use the vehicle for regular family activities, including dropping off his grandson at school. His goal, he said, is to help promote the adoption of electric mobility by showcasing the car in daily use.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Delivery of the first Tesla (Model Y) car from 'Tesla Experience Centre' at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, being made to the State's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2025
'Tesla Experience Center', the first in India, was inaugurated on July 15 this… pic.twitter.com/UyhUBCYygG
The excitement was echoed by his son, Purvesh Sarnaik, who mentioned that the family intends to use the Model Y for various everyday purposes, such as commuting to the gym and other errands. He also highlighted their interest in supporting the electric vehicle movement by installing more charging infrastructure across the region to make EV ownership more accessible and hassle-free. He emphasized the positive environmental impact of EVs, citing their zero emissions and role in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future.
While Tesla hasn’t officially confirmed whether the minister received the standard or Long Range variant of the Model Y, both versions are now available for booking in India. The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive model comes with a 60kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 500 kilometers and a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version features a larger 75kWh battery, extending the driving range to 622 kilometers and slightly quicker acceleration at 5.6 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 201 kmph and include features such as 19-inch crossflow alloy wheels and Tesla’s fast Supercharging capabilities, which can add up to 267 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes.
The Model Y is priced from ₹59.89 lakh for the standard RWD variant, while the Long Range RWD costs ₹67.89 lakh, ex-showroom. Tesla is also offering its Full Self-Driving package for an additional ₹6 lakh. Customers can choose from six exterior colours, with Stealth Grey included as the standard option. Interior trims are available in black or white, and the cabin features a five-seat layout with heated seats in both rows and ventilated seats for the front occupants.
Bookings for the Model Y are currently open through Tesla’s official India website and at their showrooms located in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram. However, deliveries for now are restricted to these three cities, with handovers expected to continue into the third quarter of 2025.
Despite the fanfare around Tesla’s entry, the company has so far secured only around 600 bookings in India, according to a Bloomberg report. This figure reportedly falls short of internal projections, although Tesla remains optimistic about scaling operations in the country. The company is planning to import between 350 and 500 vehicles into India by the end of this year, with the first shipment scheduled to arrive from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai in early September.
India’s electric vehicle market is still in its early stages, accounting for just 5 percent of all passenger car sales between April and July this year. However, the segment is growing quickly, with EV sales rising by 93 percent during the same period to reach 15,500 units.
