Maharashtra’s Transport Minister buys India’s first Tesla, paying in full with no discount. A witty look at what this means for India’s EV dreams.
- So, India has finally joined the Tesla club. No, not because Elon Musk himself landed at Mumbai airport with a “Tesla chaat stall,” but because Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, proudly drove home India’s very first Tesla Model Y. And here’s the kicker: he made sure the world knew he paid the full price — no EMI, no jugaad, no ministerial discount.
- Tesla finally in India — and not just in memes
- Why Sarnaik bought the Tesla
- The big EV flex
- Tesla in India: What’s next?
- Tesla vs the Germans
- Full payment, no discount — the real headline
- Suggested Related Post
So, India has finally joined the Tesla club. No, not because Elon Musk himself landed at Mumbai airport with a “Tesla chaat stall,” but because Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, proudly drove home India’s very first Tesla Model Y. And here’s the kicker: he made sure the world knew he paid the full price — no EMI, no jugaad, no ministerial discount.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is the same country where even buying a 10-rupee cutting chai sometimes comes with, “Bhaiya, thoda kam kar do.” But when it came to Tesla, the Minister flexed: full paisa, no bargaining. Musk would be proud. Or maybe just amused.
Tesla finally in India — and not just in memes
For years, Tesla’s India entry was like waiting for “Pushpa 2.” So many rumors, tweets, promises, and heartbreaks. Finally, July 2025 saw Tesla’s official arrival with its first experience center in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai — because of course, Mumbai had to get dibs before anyone else.
Prices? Oh, just a casual ₹59.89 lakh for the base rear-wheel drive and ₹67.89 lakh for the long-range version. That’s roughly the price of two 2BHK flats in tier-2 cities or one parking space in South Mumbai.
And who got the first delivery? Not a Bollywood star, not a cricketer, but the Maharashtra Transport Minister himself. Maybe that’s Tesla’s way of saying: “When in India, respect babus first.”
Why Sarnaik bought the Tesla
In his own words: “Tesla is a good car. I bought it with full payment and without discount.”
Translation: “I am rich, responsible, and eco-friendly. Also, please note I’m not using taxpayers’ money for this ride.”
He added that as the Transport Minister, it was important to “prioritize electric vehicles.” Which, honestly, is a solid point. Nothing screams EV adoption louder than your state minister zipping past traffic in a shiny Tesla while the rest of us are still figuring out if our scooters can handle one more litre of petrol.
The big EV flex
Now, let’s not ignore the symbolism here. Owning the first Tesla in India is like owning the first iPhone back in 2007. It’s not just about the gadget (or car), it’s about the statement: “I got it before you did.”
The delivery came with a red ribbon bow bigger than my last Diwali bonus. Balloons were flying, photoshoots were happening, and ANI reporters were tweeting like this was a Bollywood wedding.
Tesla in India: What’s next?
The Tesla Model Y promises a range of 500 km for the base model and 622 km for the long-range version. In real-world India, that translates to:
- Mumbai to Pune and back without begging anyone for a charger.
- Or Delhi to Jaipur with enough juice left for a dhaba stop.
- Or just sitting in 3-hour Mumbai traffic with AC on, still not worrying about range anxiety.
Registrations and deliveries will start in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurugram. Because obviously, Tesla knows where India’s biggest “status symbol markets” are.
Tesla vs the Germans
With Tesla entering, the German trio — Mercedes, BMW, and Audi — suddenly have a new competitor in the “luxury EV flex” category. But Tesla’s USP is simple: it’s not just a car, it’s a conversation starter.
Imagine pulling up in your Tesla at a wedding. Nobody will ask about the food, the bride, or the DJ. They’ll just whisper, “Bhai, gaadi charging kahan hoti hai?”
Full payment, no discount — the real headline
Let’s circle back. The minister repeatedly stressed he paid full price. Why? Because in India, the assumption is that netas don’t pay. They inaugurate. They get gifted. They “use official cars.” So, Sarnaik making it clear he paid in full is actually the biggest news.
It’s like Sachin Tendulkar saying, “I stood in line at the cinema and bought my own ticket.” Rare, but applause-worthy.
Maharashtra just got its first Tesla. The minister says it’s eco-friendly, aspirational, and worth every rupee. Meanwhile, aam Mumbaikars are thinking: “Nice, but does it float during monsoons?”
So, what do you think? Is Tesla in India a game-changer for EV adoption, or just another luxury toy for the elite? Drop your thoughts, share this with your EV-curious friends, and maybe tag Elon Musk — he loves Indian Twitter drama anyway.
Suggested Related Post
“Tesla Model Y India Launch: Your Dream EV is Finally Just a Click Away!”
