Tesla’s much-awaited entry into the Indian market with the Tesla Model Y India launch has sparked conversation, but the early response is far from what many had imagined. According to reports, the electric SUV has received just about 600 bookings so far, a surprisingly low figure considering the hype around Tesla’s arrival.
Tesla Bookings in India Force Shipment Cuts
The company initially planned to ship close to 3,000 units of the Model Y. However, the Tesla bookings in India have been so modest that the shipment numbers are now being cut significantly. For a brand that carries global prestige, this comes as an unexpected turn.
Industry experts believe that while Tesla holds a strong reputation, the Indian market is still price-sensitive, and many buyers may not be ready to make the leap toward a luxury EV just yet.
Tesla Model Y Price in India a Key Barrier
One of the biggest roadblocks seems to be the Tesla Model Y price in India, which starts at around Rs 70 lakh. In comparison, Indian buyers have access to several affordable electric cars in India, such as Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV, which are available at less than half the price.
For most middle-class families, this stark difference makes Tesla feel out of reach. While luxury buyers may still consider it, the mass market is leaning toward more practical EV choices. You can see how pricing plays a critical role by comparing available options in the Indian EV market.
Tesla Model Y Deliveries India Limited to Four Cities
Another factor dampening enthusiasm is that Tesla Model Y deliveries in India are initially restricted to only four cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. For a country as vast and diverse as India, this limited rollout narrows Tesla’s reach right from the start.
Many potential buyers outside these metros may not be willing to take on the challenges of servicing and charging infrastructure without proper support. The EV market in India 2025 is projected to grow significantly, but the lack of strong infrastructure still worries consumers. Insights on EV adoption can be found in reports by IEA.
Source: ET- Auto
Can Tesla Revive the Buzz in India
The lukewarm debut does not mean Tesla’s India story is over. The brand is known for its aggressive strategies and may look at local assembly or partnerships to bring costs down. If Tesla can manage to lower the price and expand its service network, the Tesla electric car India chapter could still turn into a success story.
For now, however, the numbers tell a sobering story. Six hundred bookings across a country of over a billion people shows that Tesla has a long way to go in capturing the hearts and wallets of Indian consumers.
As the competition heats up and more players invest in the EV segment, the coming years will decide whether Tesla becomes a dominant name in the Indian electric car market or remains a niche luxury brand.
