Tesla has achieved a significant milestone in its Indian operations by delivering its first vehicle in the country, more than a month after opening its inaugural showroom and launching the Model Y electric SUV.
1st Tesla sold in India to this man
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik became Tesla’s first Indian customer, taking delivery of a white Model Y at the Tesla Experience Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The facility was inaugurated on July 15, marking Tesla’s formal entry into the Indian market.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Delivery of the first Tesla (Model Y) car from 'Tesla Experience Centre' at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, being made to the State's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2025
'Tesla Experience Center', the first in India, was inaugurated on July 15 this… pic.twitter.com/UyhUBCYygG
“I am very happy to have received the first Tesla in India. It is a matter of pride for me. I did not get this car at any discount; I bought it by paying the full amount. I plan to use this Tesla to drop my grandson off at school so that more people see it, learn about electric vehicles, and are encouraged to adopt them,” Sarnaik stated during the handover ceremony.
Here’s what family said after buying Tesla:
The minister’s son, Purvesh, expressed excitement about the purchase: “I’m very excited that we bought this Tesla. Like my father said, my son will go to school in it, and he’s thrilled. We will also use it for daily purposes, going to the gym, and other family needs. Electric vehicles are gaining momentum in India, which is a very positive sign. They bring sustainability, zero emissions, and a cleaner environment. We are also planning more charging points so that people can operate these vehicles without any hassle.”
Tesla’s Market Response and Projections in India
Tesla has received 600 bookings since launch, though this figure reportedly falls short of company expectations, according to Bloomberg. The automaker plans to ship 350-500 vehicles to India this year, with the first batch arriving from Shanghai in early September.
Growing EV Market
India’s electric vehicle segment, while representing just 5% of total car sales from April to July 2025, shows impressive growth momentum with 93% increase to 15,500 units during that period.
Model Y Specifications
Tesla offers two India-specific variants: the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with 60kWh battery starting at Rs 59.89 lakh, and Long Range RWD with 75kWh battery priced at Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The RWD provides 500km range while Long Range extends to 622km.
Currently, deliveries are limited to Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.
