Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the visionary founder and CEO of Paytm, has joined the growing list of prominent Indians embracing electric mobility by taking delivery of a Tesla Model Y. This significant development comes as Tesla officially establishes its footprint in the Indian market with the inauguration of its first dedicated center in Gurugram.
Paytm Founder's Electric Dream Realized
The Paytm chief executive quietly received his Glacier Blue Tesla Model Y earlier this week, with social media platforms buzzing as images of the delivery ceremony went viral. While Sharma maintained his characteristic low profile about the purchase, the event marked a milestone in India's electric vehicle adoption journey.
Notably, Sharma's connection with Tesla dates back to 2016 when he became one of the original Model 3 reservation holders, demonstrating his early faith in the brand even before Tesla had established any physical presence in India. The luxury electric SUV was personally handed over to the digital payments pioneer by Tesla India head Sharad Agarwal, underscoring the importance of this high-profile delivery.
Tesla Model Y: Specifications and Pricing
The Tesla Model Y available in the Indian market offers consumers two distinct variants with competitive pricing. The base Rear-Wheel Drive model starts at ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), featuring a 64kWh battery pack that delivers an impressive claimed range of 500 kilometers on a single charge.
For those seeking extended driving capabilities, the Long Range RWD variant is priced at ₹67.89 lakh and comes equipped with a larger 84.2kWh battery. This premium version boasts an exceptional claimed range of 661 kilometers, addressing range anxiety concerns that often accompany electric vehicle ownership.
Tesla's Strategic Indian Expansion
Tesla India officially announced the opening of its first Tesla Centre in Gurugram on Thursday, representing a crucial step in the company's broader strategy to promote electric mobility across the country. The new facility at Orchid Business Park integrates multiple functions, offering retail, after-sales service, delivery and charging solutions all under one roof.
This landmark launch follows Tesla's initial market entry in July, when the company began expanding its presence through experience centers in Mumbai and Delhi, complemented by three charging sites across these metropolitan areas. The charging infrastructure expansion continues with the upcoming commissioning of One Horizon in Gurugram, which will bring Tesla's total to four charging stations featuring 16 Superchargers and 10 Destination Chargers.
Tesla's advanced Supercharging system represents a game-changer for Indian EV owners, capable of adding up to 275 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes. This technology supports the company's vision of a streamlined "Plug In, Charge and Go" experience, potentially transforming long-distance electric travel in India.
The opening of Tesla's Gurugram center aligns with Haryana's emergence as a manufacturing hub for mobile and automobile industries. The state's infrastructure development, including projects like the KMP global corridor, along with its 12 lakh small industries and streamlined regulatory environment through the removal of outdated laws, creates an attractive ecosystem for electric vehicle manufacturers.
