The milestone comes as Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into India has yet to match the hype.Tesla’s Model Y has officially hit Indian roads, with Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik becoming the first customer as he took delivery from the US carmaker’s newly-opened showroom at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai on Friday.
Sarnaik said the move was intended to raise awareness about electric mobility among citizens, particularly the younger generation.
“I have taken delivery of the Tesla to spread awareness about electric mobility among citizens, especially the younger generation. I want children to see these cars early and understand the importance of sustainable transportation,” PTI quoted him as saying. He added that he would gift the vehicle to his grandson as a symbolic gesture.
A slow yet most awaited start
The milestone comes as Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into India has yet to match the hype. Since opening bookings in July, the company has secured just over 600 orders, a modest figure compared with its global scale, where it delivers the same number in a matter of hours. Tesla now expects to ship between 350 and 500 vehicles to India this year, with the first consignment arriving from its Shanghai Gigafactory earlier this month. Deliveries will be restricted initially to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram.
Import duties, a big trouble for Tesla
High import duties have pushed the Model Y’s price above ₹60 lakh, limiting its appeal in a market where the average EV sells for about ₹22 lakh. Within the premium segment, just 2,800 units priced between ₹45 lakh and ₹70 lakh were sold in the first half of 2025. Rival BYD has outpaced Tesla, selling over 1,200 units of its Sealion 7 SUV during the same period, aided by a lower entry price of ₹49 lakh. Sarnaik said affordability was not the only concern.
“Even if the cost is slightly higher today, what matters more is setting the right example and accelerating EV adoption,” he said, noting that Maharashtra has announced toll exemptions for EVs on key expressways and has already added about 5,000 electric buses to its state transport fleet.
Tesla’s challenges extend beyond pricing, with tariff relief hopes fading amid geopolitical tensions. While showroom interest has been high, it has yet to convert into significant sales. Nevertheless, the company is pressing ahead with plans, including installing charging stations in Mumbai and Delhi and opening a new experience centre in South India next year, according to Bloomberg.
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