American electric carmaker Tesla is moving fast to grow its presence in India. After opening its first experience centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the company is now ready to launch its second showroom in Delhi’s Aerocity, close to Indira Gandhi International Airport. The new facility will open tomorrow and will showcase the brand’s global best-seller – the Tesla Model Y crossover.
Why Delhi for Tesla’s Second Showroom
Delhi is one of the biggest car markets in India, and it has a growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The city already has better EV charging infrastructure compared to many other regions, making it a good location for Tesla’s expansion.
Also, Aerocity is a high-footfall area with premium hotels, offices, and proximity to the airport. This makes it ideal for attracting both local buyers and international visitors who may already know the Tesla brand.
Tesla Model Y – The Star of the Showroom
The Delhi showroom will focus on the Tesla Model Y, which is currently being sold in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) import. This means the car is shipped directly from Tesla’s overseas factories and is not yet locally assembled in India.
Variants Offered in India
Tesla is offering two versions of the Model Y here:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – offers a WLTP range of around 500 km on a single charge.
- Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive – offers a longer WLTP range of up to 622 km.
Both variants come with:
- Top speed of 201 km/h
- 19-inch crossflow alloy wheels
- 0–100 km/h in under 6 seconds acceleration
Pricing & Challenges
Since the Model Y is a CBU import, it attracts high import duties in India, making it much more expensive than similar electric cars from Indian manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra. While Tesla has not officially revealed final India pricing yet, the cost is expected to be premium, targeting luxury EV buyers.
The real challenge for Tesla will be expanding its charging network and possibly starting local assembly to make prices more competitive.
Tesla’s Strategy in India
Tesla’s entry into India is happening in a phased manner:
- Brand Awareness – By opening showrooms in big cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Tesla aims to create curiosity and excitement.
- High-End Product Launches – Starting with imported models allows Tesla to test the market without heavy manufacturing investment.
- Possible Local Production – Industry reports suggest Tesla may consider local assembly or manufacturing in the future to reduce costs.
What This Means for Indian EV Buyers
For buyers, Tesla’s arrival means more choice in the premium EV space. While the prices may not suit all budgets, Tesla’s technology, performance, and global reputation could push other carmakers to improve their own EV offerings. Also, Tesla’s focus on design, range, and features might encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles in India.
Conclusion
Tesla opening its second Indian showroom in Delhi is a strong signal of the brand’s intent to grow here. The Model Y’s long range, quick acceleration, and high-tech features make it an attractive choice for luxury EV buyers. However, pricing and charging infrastructure will be key challenges for wider acceptance.
If Tesla can overcome these hurdles and eventually produce cars locally, it could play a big role in India’s electric mobility future.
FAQs
Where is Tesla’s new showroom in Delhi?
It is located in Aerocity, near Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Which Tesla model will be sold in Delhi?
The showroom will retail the Tesla Model Y crossover in two variants – Rear-Wheel Drive and Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive.
How far can the Tesla Model Y go on a single charge?
The RWD version offers around 500 km range, while the Long-Range RWD version offers up to 622 km (WLTP).
Will Tesla manufacture cars in India?
Tesla has not yet started manufacturing in India, but there are industry talks about possible local assembly in the future.
Why is Tesla expensive in India?
Tesla cars are currently imported as CBUs, which attracts high import duties, making them costlier.