The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here: Tesla has officially started delivering vehicles to customers in India. This isn’t just any delivery; it marks a significant step for the EV giant. On September 27, 2025, Grace Tao, Tesla’s Global Vice President, happily announced that the initial batch of these awesome machines rolled straight out of the Shanghai Gigafactory, making their way to eager Indian owners.
“Congratulations to our new owners, we’re thrilled for them to experience the smooth, comfortable journey Tesla products and services bring,” Grace shared. It’s a sentiment that resonates, as these vehicles promise to transform daily commutes into something special.
This delivery landmark comes hot on the heels of Tesla opening its first showroom in India back in July. This move officially signals the company’s grand entrance into what’s becoming the world’s third-largest automotive market. It’s been a long road, too, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinting at an Indian presence over nine years ago, way back in April 2016. Talk about anticipation!
The Model Y: What You Get and What It Costs
For now, the Model Y is Tesla’s golden ticket for India. You can snag the rear-wheel drive version starting at 5.989 million rupees, which is roughly 69,000 USD. If you’re looking for more range, the long-range rear-wheel drive model comes in at 6.789 million rupees, or about 79,000 USD. Now, these prices might seem a bit steep compared to other markets, and you’re right. India hits EVs with a hefty 70% import tariff, which definitely bumps up the cost.
Navigating the Indian Market
India’s EV market is still finding its feet, with electric vehicles making up less than 5% of the total automotive pie. This means Tesla isn’t just cruising in, it’s facing down some serious challenges. The Model Y, with its pricing, lands squarely in the luxury vehicle segment, which accounts for only 1% of all vehicle sales in the country. It’s a niche, but a growing one.
This move into India couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Tesla. The company has seen sales slow down in its more established stomping grounds like Europe, China, and the US during the first half of 2025. Interestingly, Tesla seems to have shelved previous plans for a manufacturing plant in India, choosing to import vehicles despite those steep tariffs. It’s a bold play, and one worth watching.
Looking ahead, Tesla isn’t stopping here. They’re reportedly gearing up to open more showrooms and supercharging stations in Delhi and other major Indian cities. It looks like they’re in it for the long haul, aiming to build a robust infrastructure to support their growing presence in the country. With these ambitious plans, one can only imagine the impact Tesla will have on India’s burgeoning EV landscape.
