
Soumendra Jena

Serial Entrepreneur & Creator
Tesla’s long-awaited entry into the Indian market has been a hot topic for EV enthusiasts and tech lovers. While Elon Musk has teased Indian fans for years, many wonder — “What will it really cost to own a Tesla in India?” Here’s a clear and complete price breakdown for the Tesla Model Y, one of Tesla’s most popular and versatile electric SUVs.
Tesla Model Y India Pricing – Full Cost Explained
1. Base Price in the US
Price (U.S.): $37,490
Converted to INR: ₹30 lakh (approx.)
This is the starting price of the Tesla Model Y in the United States before any customizations or delivery charges.
2. Import Duty – The Biggest Bump
Import Duty (70%): ₹19.39 lakh
India currently charges 70% import duty on Completely Built Units (CBUs). This significantly inflates the price when importing a car like Tesla directly from the U.S.
3. GST and Cess
GST (28%): ₹7.75 lakh
GST Compensation Cess: ₹2.75 lakh
Electric vehicles attract 5% GST if made in India, but imported EVs fall under the luxury car tax slab — 28% GST plus an additional compensation cess (approx. 10%).
4. Ex-Showroom Price
Total (Base + Duties + GST): ₹59.89 lakh
This becomes the ex-showroom price — the base cost before registration, road tax, and insurance.
5. Road Tax, Registration & Insurance
Estimated Charges: ₹3.5 lakh
Each state in India has a different structure for road tax, registration fees, and insurance, but for luxury imports, expect around ₹3.5 lakh extra.
6. Final On-Road Price in India
Estimated Total On-Road Price: ₹61 lakh
So yes, a car that costs ₹30 lakh in the U.S. ends up costing more than double in India due to import laws and taxes.
Is the Tesla Model Y Worth ₹61 Lakh in India?
Pros:
Best-in-class EV range & performance
Futuristic tech and autopilot
Globally trusted brand
Cons:
Lack of Tesla service & charging infra in India (for now)
Extremely high cost compared to ICE competitors
No government subsidies on imported EVs
Why the High Price? Government Policies Matter
The reason for such a steep price is simple — India’s import duty structure heavily penalizes foreign-made luxury cars. Unless Tesla sets up a factory in India or the government reduces EV import duties, prices will remain sky-high.
The Future – Will Tesla Manufacture in India?
There are ongoing talks between Tesla and the Indian government for a manufacturing facility, especially with India pushing the “Make in India” initiative. If Tesla starts producing locally, expect Model Y prices to drop below ₹40 lakh, making it a true mass-market EV.
Final Words: The Dream is Real, but Expensive
Tesla’s presence in India will surely revolutionize the EV space — but until local manufacturing kicks off, the Model Y will remain a luxury choice, not a mass-market one. Still, for those who want the Tesla experience at any cost — it’s finally possible!