A Landmark Arrival: Tesla’s Expansion in India
Tesla, the US electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse, continues its aggressive foray into India. Less than a month after launching its first experience center in Mumbai, Tesla inaugurated its second India showroom today at Aerocity, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone aimed at expanding its reach and customer engagement in the largest and fastest-growing automotive market.
Located strategically in Worldmark 3, Aerocity—a high-end commercial precinct near Indira Gandhi International Airport—this new showstopper caters to the affluent and tech-savvy NCR customer base.
Real Estate & Scale: What Lies Behind the Showroom
The Delhi experience center spans approximately 8,200 sq ft, leased by Tesla India Motor & Energy Pvt Ltd from Oak Infrastructure Pvt Ltd on a nine-year contract. The starting rent stands at ₹17.22 lakh per month (₹210/sq ft), with a 15% escalation every 36 months.
Note: Some earlier reports mentioned a 4,000 sq ft setup and a ₹25 lakh rent; variations likely stem from evolving estimates.
The Big Reveal: Model Y on Display and Sale
At exactly 2 pm today, Tesla officially flung open its Aerocity showroom doors. At the heart of the launch: the Model Y—available in two variants tailored to Indian preferences:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with a 60 kWh LFP battery
- Long Range RWD with a 75 kWh battery pack
Prices start at ₹59.89 lakh for the RWD, and ₹67.89 lakh for the Long Range RWD (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite is offered as an optional ₹6 lakh upgrade.
Colour, Comfort & Customisation
Tesla’s Model Y in India comes with a selection of six colours, with Stealth Grey as the default no-cost option. Other hues (Pearl White Multi-Coat, Diamond Black, Ultra Red, Quicksilver, and Glacier Blue) come at an additional charge.
Interiors offer a choice between black or white, a five-seat layout, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats, reinforcing Tesla’s commitment to premium comfort.
Performance & Charging Specs
From other coverage:
- RWD Model Y: Approx 500 km WLTP range, 0-100 km/h in ~5.9 s, top speed capped at 201 km/h.
- Long Range RWD: Approx 622 km WLTP, 0-100 km/h in ~5.6 s, same top speed.
Charging benefits include swift DC charging via V4 Superchargers—up to 250 kW—with early reports citing that the RWD could regain around 238 km in 15 minutes, and the LR RWD about 267 km.
Bookings, Deliveries & Registration
Bookings for Model Y are accessible via Tesla’s India website, as well as through showrooms in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram. Deliveries of the RWD variant are planned for Q3 2025, while the Long Range RWD is slated for Q4 2025.
Initial registration support and deliveries are focused on these cities—part of Tesla’s gradual rollout strategy.
Infrastructure Developments: Charging & After-Sales
Beyond retail, Tesla is actively building infrastructure:
- In Mumbai, Tesla launched four V4 Superchargers and destination chargers, priced between ₹24/kWh (DC) and ₹14/kWh (AC). More charging setups are planned.
- In Delhi NCR, Tesla has initiated installation of three charging stations (Aerocity, Saket, Noida), with another in the works at Gurgaon’s Horizon Centre.
Service scope includes Mobile Service, Remote Diagnostics, official service centres, and tie-ups with approved collision repair facilities.
Strategic Motives: Why Aerocity and Delhi?
- Prime Location: Aerocity, adjacent to IGI airport, offers premium visibility and accessibility, matching Tesla’s brand positioning.
- NCR Reach: The nearest large catchment other than Mumbai, with affluent buyers and increasing EV awareness.
- Momentum Building: Following the Mumbai launch, the Delhi centre cements Tesla’s India presence and lets them access two of the nation’s largest markets within weeks.
Market Dynamics & Competition
India’s EV market has matured and diversified. While Tesla brings brand prestige and technology, competition is emerging fast—from BYD’s Atto 2 to other value EVs. Premium pricing due to import duties remains a hurdle, but Tesla is now banking on its performance and cachet. (
Adoption boost hinges on showroom accessibility, localized infrastructure, and enhanced customer confidence—all of which this showroom supports aptly.
What Lies Ahead for Tesla in India
- Local Assembly/Manufacturing: Rumours hint at potential CKD or local manufacturing to reduce cost and broaden product offerings.
- More Showrooms & SCs: Expansion across metro hubs like Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore seems imminent.
- Entry of Model 3 and Model 2: Aspirational models that could appeal to India’s mass-market segment.
- Infrastructure Build-out: Widening of Supercharger and service networks to ensure EV readiness.
