Tesla sets foot in India with Rs 61 lakh Model Y

MUMBAI: Tesla is finally here. The electric car giant run by Elon Musk opened its first India showroom in Mumbai's BKC on Tuesday. Musk had set his eyes on India since at least 2015, but high tariffs, limited flexibility, and charging infrastructure challenges, kept Tesla away from the country, which the company had described as a hard market.

While bookings opened on Tuesday, deliveries of Model Y SUVs, prices for which start at Rs 61-lakh on-road (500km range), will begin in Oct. A 'long-range' (622km) Model Y variant will be available from Jan 2026 with an on-road price tag of just over Rs 69 lakh. For context, BMW iX1 LWB electric SUV is priced at about Rs 51 lakh on-road, and Mercedes-Benz EQA electric SUV costs just over Rs 70 lakh.Users will have a simple 'plug and charge experience' with superchargers adding up to 267km range in 15 minutes.

A wall-connected home charger (70km in 1 hour) will be provided with every car. "The Tesla Model Y, available in six colours, is a compact electric SUV with a spacious interior, ample boot space , and a minimalist design. It features a touchscreen interface, 'autopilot' driver-assistance, and over-the-air software updates for the car," a Tesla executive said at the launch.Model Y's features include a bumper camera that covers blind spots during rides.

At present, Tesla EVs sold in India will be imported and have limited 'autopilot' features - automatic emergency braking system, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.Tesla's experience centre at BKC, where Apple opened its first store in 2023, is seen as a way to test the waters with its retail strategy - to evaluate consumer interest and market potential. Tesla is now preparing to expand its presence by opening a showroom in Delhi.

It plans to expand to other cities as well. Sources said that in the past, there were reports of Tesla exploring plans for setting up a factory in India, but the talks stalled in 2023. Asked about plans to set up a manufacturing unit in the country this time, an executive at the new showroom declined to comment.Musk has consistently advocated for reduced duties to enhance affordability, the Indian govt maintains its stance on local manufacturing commitments. Tesla regional director Isabel Fan said, "It will all be 100% ownership and no franchisee for any showroom. Also, India has incredible talent and we are hiring local people. We have brought here Model Y - the best-selling vehicle in 2023-24."