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Tesla's India Entry: 225 Model Y Sales Amid High Import Duties

Tesla managed to sell 225 of its Model Y SUVs in India during the 2025 calendar year. The company only began retail deliveries in July after opening its first showroom. Despite the high price tag, which starts at nearly 60 lakh rupees, sales showed a slight upward trend towards the end of the year. This comes as India's broader electric vehicle market continues to grow, though four-wheelers like Tesla's remain a small segment.

Key Points: Tesla Sells 225 Model Y EVs in India in 2025

  • Tesla sold 225 Model Y units in India in 2025, its first year of retail
  • Sales peaked in December with 73 units after opening in July
  • Model Y prices start at Rs 59.89 lakh, high due to import duties
  • India's overall EV market hit 2.3 million units, with 4-wheelers at 175,000
2 min read

Tesla sells 225 electric vehicles in India in 2025

Tesla retails 225 Model Y SUVs in India in 2025, with sales peaking in December. High import duties keep prices above Rs 59 lakh.

Tesla sells 225 electric vehicles in India in 2025
"Tesla retailed 64 units in September, 40 in October, 48 in November and 73 in December. - FADA Data"

New Delhi, Jan 15

US-based Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla sold 225 units of its only electric vehicle in India, Model Y SUV, in calendar year 2025, according to industry data.

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) data showed that Tesla retailed 64 units in September, 40 in October, 48 in November and 73 in December.

US electric‑vehicle maker is yet to complete a year of retail deliveries in India as it opened its maiden showroom in July.

The company currently offers the Model Y in India as a completely built unit with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) powertrain.

The standard RWD variant of Model Y is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Long Range RWD is priced at Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices are significantly higher than those in overseas markets due to India's high import duties on fully built vehicles.

Tesla operates experience centres in Gurugram, Mumbai and Delhi, with around 12 superchargers and 10 destination chargers across those cities.

Tesla claims a range of up to 500 km and the Long Range up to 622 km for Model Y. The standard variant accelerates from 0‑100 kph in 5.9 seconds and the Long Range in 5.6 seconds; both have a top speed of 201 kph. Fast charging can restore roughly 238 km of range for the standard model and about 267 km for the Long Range in 15 minutes, the company claimed.

India's electric vehicle market accounted for 8 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in 2025 with total EV sales reaching 2.3 million units, according to Vahan Portal data.

The report from India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) said electric two‑wheelers led the EV growth with sales of 1.28 million units, touching 57 per cent of EV sales, while electric three‑wheelers (L3 and L5) accounted for 0.8 million units, or 35 per cent of EV sales.

Electric four‑wheelers sales were at 1,75,000 units, with notable momentum in small and light commercial electric goods carriers, the report said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a start! You have to begin somewhere. The charging infrastructure is still very limited. 12 superchargers in 3 cities is nothing. But seeing the specs, the range and performance are impressive. Hope they localize manufacturing soon to bring prices down. 🤞
R
Rohit P
The data shows the real story. 2.3 million EVs sold, but 1.28 million are two-wheelers! That's where the market is. Tesla is playing in a tiny niche. Our roads, traffic, and budgets are suited for scooters and small cars. Focus should be there.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Gurugram, I see these Teslas occasionally. They are beautiful machines, but the price difference compared to the US is staggering. The import duties make it almost prohibitive. It feels more like a status symbol purchase right now.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think this is a missed opportunity by Tesla. They waited too long to enter India. Now we have good options from Tata, MG, and Hyundai at half the price. The "Tesla aura" isn't enough to justify double the cost for most sensible buyers.
K
Karthik V
The sales picked up in December (73 units). Maybe word of mouth is spreading? The 622 km range is a game-changer for range anxiety. But until they set up a Gigafactory here, it will remain a niche player. Come on, Tesla, "Make in India"! 🚗⚡

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