Tesla Delivers First Batch of Model Y Vehicles in India, All Made in Shanghai
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On September 27, Tesla Vice President, Grace Tao announced that the first batch of Model Y vehicles has been delivered in India, marking the electric car giant’s long-anticipated entry into one of the world’s most promising automotive markets. All vehicles in this initial delivery were manufactured at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, underscoring China’s central role in the company’s global supply chain.
On September 27, Tesla Vice President, Grace Tao announced that the first batch of Model Y vehicles has been delivered in India, marking the electric car giant’s long-anticipated entry into one of the world’s most promising automotive markets. All vehicles in this initial delivery were manufactured at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, underscoring China’s central role in the company’s global supply chain. The move represents a concrete step forward in Tesla’s India strategy after years of preparation. Back in July, Tesla opened its first showroom in India, located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. Spanning 4,000 square feet, the showroom features China-made Model Y units.
Pricing places the Model Y firmly in India’s premium EV segment. The entry-level model starts at ₹5.989 million (about USD 70,000), while the long-range rear-wheel-drive version is priced at ₹6.789 million (about USD 77,000). These prices are significantly higher than in China and other markets, reflecting India’s steep import duties and logistics costs.
For now, Tesla is targeting early adopters with the means and willingness to pay for a high-end electric vehicle. Rather than building locally, the company is relying on exports from Shanghai, its highest-capacity and most efficient plant, which already supplies cars to China, Europe, and across Asia-Pacific. Delivering to India further cements Shanghai’s position as Tesla’s global export hub and highlights the growing international recognition of “Made in China” high-tech products.
The India milestone comes as Tesla faces headwinds in Europe, where intensifying competition and slowing demand have weighed on performance. The company’s stock has fallen more than 17% so far this year.
Overall, the deliveries in India mark an important milestone in Tesla’s globalization push and showcase the strength of China’s manufacturing base. Yet the global EV landscape is shifting quickly: established markets are under pressure, while new ones bring both opportunities and challenges. How Tesla balances its global supply chain, fends off competition, and restores investor confidence will be key in the months ahead. For now, the handover to India’s first Tesla owners is just the beginning—the long-term test lies in how the market responds.
