Tesla is pitching its Model Y electric SUV at an effective monthly cost of Rs 19,990, factoring in estimated fuel and maintenance savings, as it rolls out a three-day sales event in India.
The offer, announced on October 23, requires a down payment of Rs 6 lakh. The advertised monthly payment is Rs 39,990 under a seven-year step-up EMI plan at an annual interest rate of 8.5%, subject to financier approval.
Tesla arrives at the lower figure by deducting Rs 20,000 in estimated monthly fuel and maintenance savings from the EMI. The savings are based on the company’s assumptions about vehicle efficiency, fuel and electricity prices, and servicing costs, rather than a reduction in the actual loan payment.
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The offer is available during the company’s Switch and Save Carnival, being held from October 23 to 25 at Tesla experience centres across India. The company is also offering on-the-spot vehicle exchange valuations, financing through partner banks and a complimentary Wall Connector with purchases made during the event.
Tesla’s savings claim depends on driving costs
Tesla’s calculation assumes the Model Y consumes 14.3 kWh of electricity per 100 km, while a comparable petrol or diesel car delivers 8 km per litre. It uses an electricity tariff of Rs 7 per kWh and maintenance costs of Rs 2 per km to estimate the savings.
Actual savings will depend on how much an owner drives, local electricity and fuel prices, the efficiency of the vehicle being replaced and its maintenance costs. Buyers will also need to account for expenses such as insurance and registration when assessing the overall cost of ownership.
The Rs 19,990 figure is therefore an effective cost after estimated savings, not the monthly instalment payable to the financier.
Tesla expands sales push across Indian cities
The carnival covers Tesla experience centres in Noida, Delhi, Gurugram, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. The company also lists approved collision centres in Pune and Ahmedabad.
Customers can compare the Model Y with the six-seater Model Y L during the event. Tesla has not specified in the announcement how many vehicles it expects to sell through the carnival.
The event comes as electric carmakers seek to make higher-priced EVs more appealing by highlighting running-cost savings alongside financing offers. For buyers, the comparison with petrol and diesel SUVs will ultimately depend on the upfront price, loan terms, driving patterns and access to charging.