Ever dreamed of cruising India's roads in a sleek, silent Tesla? Well, that dream is now closer to reality than ever before! Tesla has officially entered the Indian market, and while it's a premium offering, the experience of owning a Tesla in India is set to be unique.
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Tesla Experience?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's explore if a Tesla is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget in India. Are you excited by cutting-edge technology and sustainable transportation? Do you frequently travel long distances, or is your commute primarily urban? Consider these points to ensure a seamless transition to EV ownership.
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| How To Buy A Tesla Car In India |
Understanding the Indian Context
Tesla's entry into India comes with its own set of unique factors. Due to high import duties, Tesla vehicles are significantly more expensive here than in other markets.
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Current Models and Pricing: As of July 2025, the Tesla Model Y is available, with the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant starting at approximately ₹60 lakh and the long-range RWD version at around ₹68 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Imported Units: Initially, Tesla is importing Completely Built Units (CBUs) from its Gigafactory in Shanghai for display and test drives.
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Target Audience: Given the pricing, Tesla is targeting the premium EV segment in India, competing with luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Step 2: Research and Model Selection
Now that you're sure about your interest, it's time to zero in on the perfect Tesla for you.
Explore Available Models
Currently, the Tesla Model Y is the primary model launched in India.
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Tesla Model Y: This compact SUV offers a blend of performance, range, and practicality, making it a popular choice globally.
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Features to consider: Range, acceleration, seating capacity (5-seater), cargo space, and autopilot capabilities.
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Pricing and Variants
The pricing for Tesla in India is heavily influenced by import duties.
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Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Starts from around ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Model Y Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive: Priced at approximately ₹68 lakh (ex-showroom).
Remember that on-road prices will include registration, insurance, and other applicable taxes, which can add several lakhs to the ex-showroom price. For example, the on-road price for the Model Y RWD can be around ₹61 lakh in Delhi and ₹66.7 lakh in Gurugram.
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Step 3: Visiting a Tesla Experience Centre
Tesla operates on a direct-sales model, which means you won't find traditional dealerships.
Locating an Experience Centre
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Mumbai's First Showroom: Tesla's first "Experience Centre" in India officially opened on July 15, 2025, at Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
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Upcoming Locations: A second showroom is expected to open in New Delhi by the end of July 2025.
What to Expect at the Showroom
At a Tesla Experience Centre, you can:
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See the cars up close: Get a feel for the design, interior, and overall build quality.
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Learn about Tesla technology: Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to explain features like Autopilot, the infotainment system, and charging options.
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Take a test drive: This is a crucial step to experience the vehicle's performance and handling firsthand. Be sure to book your test drive in advance!
Step 4: Placing Your Order and Customization
Once you've decided on your model and variant, it's time to place your order. Tesla's ordering process is primarily online.
Online Ordering Process
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Tesla India Website: Visit the official Tesla India website. While the Experience Centre allows you to see the cars, the actual order placement is done online.
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Configuration: You'll be able to configure your chosen Model Y with available options, including exterior color, wheel design, interior trim, and any optional features like Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities (though FSD's full functionality in India will depend on local regulations and mapping data).
Payment of Booking Amount
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Booking Amount: A booking amount will be required to secure your order. This amount is typically non-refundable in most markets, so be sure of your decision.
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Payment Methods: Tesla India offers various payment options, including UPI QR, UPI collect, or credit/debit cards for placing an order.
Step 5: Financing Your Tesla
Owning a Tesla in India is a significant investment. Understanding your financing options is crucial.
Personal Savings vs. Loan
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Full Cash Purchase: To buy a Tesla Model Y comfortably with cash, you'd generally need a liquid net worth of at least ₹61-67 lakh, depending on the city.
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Car Loan: Most buyers will opt for a car loan.
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Income Eligibility: Financial advisors often recommend that your annual income should be at least twice the car's cost for comfortable ownership. For loan eligibility, banks usually require at least three times the car's price as your annual income. This means an annual income of ₹1.22 crore to ₹2 crore might be needed for loan approval for a Model Y.
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EMI Calculation: Assuming a standard 20% down payment (₹12.2-13.4 lakh) and a 5-year car loan at 9% interest, your monthly EMI could range between ₹1.01 lakh and ₹1.11 lakh.
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Tesla Financing: Tesla offers financing options directly through their platform.
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Third-Party Financiers: You can also secure a loan from other banks or financial institutions in India. Ensure you compare interest rates and loan terms before finalizing.
Step 6: Documentation and Registration
After your order is placed and financing is sorted, you'll need to prepare for the vehicle's registration.
Required Documents
You will need to submit various documents to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for registration, including:
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Proof of Identity: Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Driving License, etc.
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Proof of Address: Aadhar Card, utility bills, Indian Passport, etc.
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Completed Application Form: Form CMV20 for vehicle registration.
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Sales Certificate: Provided by Tesla upon purchase.
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Active Insurance Policy: A copy of your Tesla's insurance.
RTO Fees and Green Number Plate
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Fees: You'll be required to pay prescribed fees for registration and the issuance of a green number plate.
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Green Number Plates: Electric vehicles in India are issued distinctive green number plates.
Vehicle Inspection
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An RTO official will conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle to ensure it complies with safety and emissions standards.
Step 7: Delivery and Post-Purchase Essentials
The exciting moment arrives – taking delivery of your new Tesla!
Delivery Process
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Scheduling Delivery: Tesla will notify you when your vehicle is ready for delivery. You'll schedule a delivery appointment, which could be at the Experience Centre or a designated delivery hub.
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Final Documentation: You'll need to e-sign any required documents in your Tesla Account, and all credit applicants must be present with proof of insurance when taking delivery.
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Vehicle Handover: A Tesla advisor will guide you through the features of your new car and answer any questions you may have.
Charging Your Tesla in India
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Tesla Superchargers: Tesla is setting up its Supercharger network in India.
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Home Charging: You can install a Wall Connector at your home for convenient overnight charging.
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Public Charging Networks: India has a growing public EV charging infrastructure with various providers.
Service and Maintenance
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Service Centres: Tesla is establishing its service network.
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Mobile Service: Tesla also offers mobile service for minor repairs and diagnostics, where technicians can come to your location.
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Step 8: Understanding Warranty and After-Sales ️
Knowing what's covered post-purchase is essential for peace of mind.
Tesla Warranty in India
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Vehicle Warranty: Tesla typically offers a 4-year or 80,000 km warranty on the vehicle itself, whichever comes first.
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Battery and Drive Unit Warranty: The battery and drive unit are usually covered for 8 years or up to 1,92,000 km, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Book a Tesla Car in India?
You can book a Tesla car in India directly through the official Tesla India website or by visiting a Tesla Experience Centre. Bookings for the Model Y are currently open.
How much does a Tesla cost in India?
The Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) starts at approximately ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Long-Range RWD variant is around ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices will be higher.
How to Finance a Tesla Car in India?
You can finance a Tesla through Tesla's in-house financing options available via your Tesla Account, or by securing a car loan from third-party banks and financial institutions in India.
How to Charge a Tesla Car in India?
Tesla cars can be charged using Tesla's Supercharger network (currently being rolled out, with four major EV charging stations planned in Mumbai), a Tesla Wall Connector at home, or compatible public AC/DC fast chargers available across India.
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How to Register a Tesla Car in India?
To register a Tesla in India, you need to submit required documents (proof of identity, address, sales certificate, insurance) to the RTO, pay applicable fees, and undergo a vehicle inspection. Your Tesla will be issued a distinctive green number plate.
How to Find Tesla Service Centers in India?
Tesla has its first official showroom in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, and a service center is planned in Kurla West, Mumbai.
How to Get Insurance for a Tesla in India?
You can get comprehensive motor insurance for your Tesla from various general insurance providers in India. It's advisable to compare policies and choose one that offers adequate coverage for an electric vehicle.
How to Understand Tesla's Warranty in India?
Tesla generally offers a 4-year/80,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/192,000 km warranty for the battery and drive unit in India.
How to Get a Test Drive for a Tesla in India?
You can schedule a test drive for a Tesla Model Y by visiting or contacting the Tesla Experience Centre in Mumbai, or through their official website once test drives are fully available for booking.
How to Check the Waiting Period for a Tesla in India?
The exact waiting period for Tesla cars in India can vary depending on demand, model, and current import schedules. It's best to inquire about the estimated delivery timeline directly with Tesla when placing your order. Deliveries of the first batch are expected soon after launch.
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