Tesla, an American electric vehicle company is planning to launch its world-class electric vehicles in India. The Model 3 and Model Y is likely to be the first Tesla models to make their debut in India. Elon Musk, Tesla's founder, announced on Twitter last year that the company will begin operations in India soon. However, nothing is known about the company's ambitions in India. While they have a corporate headquarters in Mumbai and reports suggest they may open their first showroom there, neither Tesla nor Musk have made a public statement.
Tesla test vehicles have been spotted multiple times in India by enthusiasts, including the Tesla Model Y compact SUV, which was recently spotted in Pune. The shot was initially captured by an enthusiast, Nitesh Borane, who noticed the Model Y in Pune, Maharashtra, and uploaded it on Tesla Club India's social media account. Tesla has been testing its Model 3 and Model Y in India, but there is no clarity that which one will be released first. While the Tesla Model 3 is the brand's most affordable EV, making it the apparent choice. The Indian customers love SUVs, and most premium manufacturers choose SUV EVs over sedan EVs. As a result, the Tesla Model Y is a viable alternative for the India launch.
The Model Y is based on the same platform as the Model 3 and is available in 5 and 7-seater variations around the world. Many of the stylistic elements at the exterior of Tesla Model Y are similar to the Model 3, including the general front area and broad LED taillights. Upfront, the Model Y has a sculptural face with sweptback headlamps, no grille, and a large central air dam. The profile shows the silver alloy wheels, while the back offers a sharp-looking boot lid and cladded back bumper.
The Tesla Model Y is available in two versions worldwide- Long Range AWD and Performance. Both variants feature two electric motors, one for each axle, allowing for electric all-wheel drive (AWD). The old Long Range option comes with a range of up to 505 km. Also, it can sprint from zero to 100 km per hour in less than 4.8 seconds. The more powerful Performance model runs the same sprint in around 3.5 seconds but has a 480-kilometre electric range.
Tesla will launch the first set of automobiles as CBUs, and the brand is pushing the Indian government for tax breaks on completely imported electric vehicles. The company is unlikely to bring the vehicles in until the issue is resolved. The government has no plans to grant any extra tax exemptions, and instead recommends that Tesla build automobiles locally in India, as numerous mainstream luxury carmakers do.
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