Tesla, the famous American electric vehicle (EV) maker, has officially entered India. On July 15, Tesla opened its first showroom in BKC, Mumbai, and launched the Tesla Model Y.
This car comes in two versions: Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range Rear Wheel Drive.
Booking has started with a token amount of ₹22,000, but deliveries will begin only from the third quarter. The starting price of Tesla Model Y is around ₹60 lakh.
Can Tesla Compete with Desi Electric Cars?
In terms of price, Tesla Model Y does not compete with Indian-made electric cars. The ex-showroom price of Tesla’s RWD Model Y is ₹59.89 lakh, while the Long Range variant costs ₹67.89 lakh.
Meanwhile, top electric models from Mahindra and Tata cost between ₹30 to ₹32 lakh—almost half the price.
However, when it comes to features, these Indian cars offer strong competition. Let’s compare the features and prices of these cars against Tesla Model Y.
What’s Special About Tesla Model Y?
Tesla’s Model Y has two battery options: 60 kWh and 75 kWh, both powering the rear wheels. The RWD version has a single electric motor delivering 295 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque.
The smaller battery offers a range of up to 500 km, while the larger one claims 622 km on a full charge. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h.
Tata Harrier EV
Recently, Tata Motors launched the Tata Harrier EV with two battery packs: 65 kWh and 75 kWh. The larger battery provides a range of up to 627 km.
Charging with a 120 kW DC charger can add 250 km of range in just 15 minutes, and charge the battery from 20% to 80% in 25 minutes.
Features include wireless charging, air purifier, powered tailgate, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, sliding armrest, autonomous parking assistance, summon mode, reverse assistance, multiple regenerative modes with paddle shifters, 540-degree surround view, HD rearview mirror (IRVM), and digital key. The starting ex-showroom price is ₹21.49 lakh.
Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e
Mahindra BE 6 starts at ₹18.90 lakh and offers battery options of 59 kWh and 79 kWh.
It gives a range of 557 km with the smaller battery and 638 km with the larger one. The Mahindra XEV 9e starts at ₹21.90 lakh, with similar battery packs offering 542 km and 669 km of range respectively.
Both cars support multiple driving modes, regenerative braking, virtual engine sounds, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety features include 6 airbags, disc brakes on all wheels, Level 2 ADAS, and front and rear parking sensors.
Who Does Tesla Model Y Compete With?
In terms of pricing, Tesla Model Y will mainly compete with luxury EVs from brands like BYD Sealion 7, BMW iX1, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Kia EV 6.
If you want a high-end EV with premium features, Tesla Model Y is the choice.
But if you want an affordable electric car packed with features, Indian EVs from Tata and Mahindra offer great value for half the price.
