Did Tesla Just Deliver Its First Car in India with Maharashtra Minister Buying a Model Y?
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Synopsis
Tesla has officially launched car deliveries in India, with Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik taking the lead as the first customer. His purchase of a Model Y aims to promote electric mobility among the younger generation. Despite initial enthusiasm, the number of orders has been modest, with only 600 bookings since mid-July.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla has launched deliveries in India.
- Maharashtra's Transport Minister is the first customer.
- Only 600 orders have been placed since mid-July.
- Deliveries are initially limited to four cities.
- Government incentives are boosting EV adoption.
Mumbai, Sep 5 (NationPress) Tesla has officially kicked off its delivery operations in India as of Friday, with Pratap Sarnaik, the Transport Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the inaugural customer of the renowned company led by Elon Musk.
Sarnaik received the Model Y at Tesla's newly inaugurated showroom located in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.
The minister emphasized that his purchase aims to promote awareness surrounding electric mobility.
“I have chosen to take delivery of this Tesla to promote awareness about electric mobility among the populace, particularly the youth. I want young people to witness these vehicles early and comprehend the significance of sustainable transport,” he shared on the social media platform X.
Moreover, Sarnaik mentioned that he plans to gift the vehicle to his grandson as a symbolic gesture. However, Tesla's launch in India has not generated the excitement anticipated.
Since the commencement of bookings in mid-July, the company has registered just over 600 orders, as per various reports released earlier this week.
Globally, Tesla typically sells a similar number of cars within a few hours. The company anticipates shipping between 350 and 500 vehicles to India this year, with the initial batch already arriving from Shanghai in early September.
Initially, deliveries will be confined to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram. Sarnaik reiterated the importance of leading by example.
“Even if the initial cost is slightly elevated, what truly matters is setting the right precedent and accelerating the adoption of EVs,” he stated.
The minister also pointed out Maharashtra’s incentives, which include toll exemptions on the Atal Setu and the Samruddhi Expressway, noting that the state transport department has procured approximately 5,000 electric buses already.
On its end, Tesla is progressing with its initiatives in India. The company is establishing charging stations in Mumbai and Delhi and is gearing up to launch a new experience center in South India next year.
Point of View
Tesla's entry into the Indian market is a significant milestone in the country's shift towards sustainable transportation. While initial orders are modest, the potential for growth is immense. With government incentives supporting electric vehicles, Tesla's commitment to establishing a robust infrastructure in India reflects a promising future for electric mobility.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tesla start delivering cars in India?
Tesla officially began delivering cars in India on September 5, with Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik being the first customer.
What model did the Maharashtra Minister purchase?
The Maharashtra Transport Minister purchased the Model Y.
How many orders has Tesla received in India so far?
As of now, Tesla has received just over 600 orders since opening bookings in mid-July.
Which cities will Tesla initially deliver cars to?
Initial deliveries will be limited to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram.
What are some incentives for electric vehicle adoption in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra provides incentives such as toll exemptions on major expressways and has already procured around 5,000 electric buses.
