Tesla’s Model Y debuts in India at $70,000

Tesla has officially launched its first electric vehicle (EV) in India. The Model Y SUV will be available in two variants: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) version priced at Rs59.89 lakh ($69,779) and a long range RWD version priced at Rs67.89 lakh ($79,107), according to Tesla’s website.

The Model Y units being offered in India are completely built units (CBUs) imported from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai, which serves as the company’s primary export base for Asia and Europe.

The higher prices in India compared to other markets, such as the US, China, and Germany, are mainly due to import duties and logistics costs.

In the US, the Model Y starts at $44,990, in China at 263,500 yuan ($36,764), and in Germany at €45,970 ($53,700).

Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 in India. Initially, the Model Y will be available in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

The Model Y RWD version offers a claimed driving range of up to 500 kilometers on a full charge, while the Long Range RWD variant can go up to 622 kilometers.

Using Tesla’s fast-charging technology, the RWD model can regain up to 238 kilometers of range in 15 minutes, and the Long Range version can add up to 267 kilometers in the same time.

In terms of performance, the Model Y RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds, while the Long Range RWD variant does it in 5.6 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 201 kmph.

Inside, the Model Y includes a 15.4-inch front touchscreen, an 8-inch screen for rear passengers, ventilated powered front seats, powered and heated second-row seats, ambient lighting, and a nine-speaker audio system.

Tesla has imported six units of the Model Y into India for testing and display purposes.