Tesla Launches Model Y in India with Dual Variants

Tesla has officially launched its first locally available electric vehicle in India—the Model Y—with two distinct variants aimed at meeting different driving needs and budgets. The base variant offers a robust 500km range on full charge, while the premium version extends up to 622km, catering to enthusiasts seeking longer drives.

The starting price is ₹60 lakh, excluding applicable taxes and on-road charges. Tesla’s aggressive pricing strategy positions the Model Y competitively against luxury ICE SUVs and imported EVs currently available in the Indian market.

The vehicle sports Tesla’s signature sleek crossover design with ample cabin space to comfortably seat five adults. Inside, the minimalist 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls everything from navigation to climate and media. Tesla’s signature over-the-air software updates will frequently introduce new features and enhancements remotely.

For performance, the base variant delivers a respectable 0-100 km/h acceleration in around six seconds, appealing to everyday drivers. The long-range version offers even quicker acceleration and improved torque for highway cruising. Both models support fast charging—up to 250 km range gained in 30 minutes—via Tesla’s planned Supercharger network, which the company will gradually deploy across major Indian cities.

Tesla claims its Build-Your-Own (BYO) initiative lets buyers customize features like all-wheel drive, advanced autopilot, and interior finishes. The reservation process is entirely online, and Tesla plans localized delivery hubs in key metro areas starting August 2025.

Tesla enthusiasts have welcomed the news, with early reservations already hitting several thousand. Industry analysts predict that the Model Y launch will significantly boost EV adoption, particularly among tech-savvy urban professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Tesla India’s Marketing Head commented, “We aimed to launch with strong value, performance, and range to inspire confidence in Indian buyers. This is just the beginning of our local footprint.”

Tesla’s move also signals potential future investments in manufacturing or assembly within India—steps that could see the price gap between Indian and U.S. models narrow over time.