Tesla’s Arrival in India: What’s All the Hype About?
The second-largest EV manufacturer in the world and possibly its most well-known brand, Tesla, has finally made its way to India after years of conjecture. With the launch of its first dealership in Mumbai’s BKC sector, Tesla India is now a fully owned subsidiary of Tesla Inc. This is all the information you require.
Only the Model Y is available at this time.
Even though the Model 3—Tesla’s most affordable vehicle worldwide—was much anticipated, the company decided to launch the Model Y in India instead. The Model Y is better suited for Indian roads because it has a more SUV-like posture and increased ground clearance thanks to its shared basis with the Model 3. However, it is anticipated that the Model 3 will be released later this year.
The regular rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Model Y in India costs ₹61.07 lakh (on-road) and has a 500 km range; the long-range model, which costs ₹67.9 lakh, has a 622 km range. Both have a 15.4-inch touchscreen, however the basic model’s battery is 60 kWh, while the long-range model’s is 73 kWh.
Complete self-driving technology, but with restrictions
The global USP of Tesla is its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which enables capabilities much beyond those of the Level 2 ADAS systems that are presently in use in India. Fully autonomous driving is still a pipe dream and a risky idea in India, despite the fact that some high-end luxury automobile models are equipped with Level 3 ADAS. It’s the only thing, too. Theoretically, the Model Y can change lanes, overtake, and maneuver through intricate urban conditions.
FSD is still a contentious pledge, though. There is currently no established schedule for regulatory clearance of these features in India. FSD is currently an optional addition that costs ₹6 lakh and necessitates the driver maintaining complete focus and control. It needs to be seen if it can manage the hectic driving conditions in India.
Note that Full Self-Driving, or FSD, is a misnomer because it requires a driver to be present and in charge of the car at all times. Since autonomous capabilities are still not approved in the US, this is primarily due to regulatory concerns. However, nowhere in Europe is authorized to use the Full-Self Driving package, which enables a Tesla to pass heavy traffic, pass, and even change lanes at will. European regulators, like as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) of the EU, have stringent safety requirements and homologation guidelines for automated driving. Higher-level autonomy (Level 3 and above) on public roadways is currently prohibited by law without rigorous testing and particular national permissions.
Similar to Europe, India’s legal system hasn’t been modified to handle liability conflicts resulting from auto software errors. Additionally, Level 3 ADAS differs in that the vehicle, rather than the driver, is likely to be held responsible. Since the population density and generally chaotic driving conditions can overwhelm the system or put it in a state of action paralysis when faced with a slow-moving or immovable obstruction, Tesla’s FSD faces a difficult time getting regulatory approval in a country with the highest number of road fatalities. India’s constrained roads could be especially difficult.
The many false promises of Tesla
Since Tesla has been hammered hard lately, Elon Musk, who has always been tenacious, has given in to India’s high tariffs. Its vehicles, including the highly anticipated and incredibly fast Roadster replacement, have a history of languishing in development limbo. The other is the streamlined Model Y, which is marketed as its most affordable model to date. Originally slated to launch in the third quarter of this year, the codenamed E41 plan has already been moved to next year. Reuters estimates that it will cost 20% less than the current Model Y. Even the troubled Cybertruck, which was supposed to start production in 2021, experienced major setbacks until 2023, when only a small number of individuals were able to receive their deliveries. Limited manufacture of the Cybertruck still precludes full-scale mass production.
Even though Tesla India won’t be a major participant, the company needs a statewide network of superchargers in order to succeed domestically. Despite Tesla’s pledge to provide supercharger coverage worldwide, there aren’t any in South America, Africa, India, or other regions of Asia. There aren’t any fully autonomous Teslas that can function as actual robotaxis, despite Musk’s promises from the previous year. Currently in beta testing, Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” technology necessitates continuous driver oversight.
Does it live up to the hype?
Autonomous driving and battery optimization are two areas where Teslas excel. The range by battery size is quite astounding on the Model Y, even the base model, especially considering the dubious promise of the later. When the Model Y arrives in India as a completely built unit (CBU), it is eligible for a 70% import duty reduction. Interest in India is extremely high, despite Tesla’s image issues overseas.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 (₹45 lakh), which has a comparable battery capacity and fast-charging capabilities, and the Kia EV9 (₹65.9 lakh), which has a larger 84 kWh battery, higher torque (605 Nm vs. Tesla’s 527 Nm), and almost as much power, are competitors of the Model Y, which starts at ₹61.07 lakh.
The largest advantage of the Tesla is its enormous load capacity, which is unrivaled by the Hyundai, Kia, or even the BMW iX1 (₹49 lakh) and includes 822 liters plus a 116-liter frunk. Tesla continues to dominate in terms of cutting-edge technology and brand appeal. It is nevertheless true that those who have been anticipating the Tesla want to be the owners of the badge and are unlikely to compare their notes with those of other manufacturers. Expect Tesla fever to linger for a few years before buyers start paying more attention, even if it won’t sell in large quantities. Because Tesla’s older competitors do not share its reputation for panel gaps and poor, unpredictable build quality. Tesla must rely solely on novelty value for the time being.
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