Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik Takes Delivery of India's First Tesla Model Y

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday received the first delivery of Tesla’s Model Y, an electric vehicle (EV) from the company’s newly launched showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

Pratap Sarnaik, who booked the Model Y a day after the American automaker opened its first showroom in India in July, expressed his intention to gift the car to his grandson as a symbolic step towards building “early awareness” of green mobility. “I have taken delivery of the Tesla to spread awareness about electric mobility among citizens, especially the younger generation. I want children to see these cars early and understand the importance of sustainable transportation,” said Pratap Sarnaik.

The Shiv Sena minister added that Maharashtra has set the goal of ushering in a major EV transition in the next decade, aligned with the Prime Minister’s clean mobility vision. The state has also announced multiple incentives, including toll exemptions on Atal Setu and the Samruddhi Expressway, to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

“Even if the cost is slightly higher today, what matters more is setting the right example and accelerating EV adoption,” Sarnaik emphasized. He further noted that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has already procured nearly 5,000 e-buses for public transport, with charging stations being set up across the state to support the transition to electric mobility.

Tesla's entry into the Indian market marks a significant milestone in the country's push towards sustainable transportation. The company's first showroom in India, located in Mumbai, is a testament to the growing demand for electric vehicles and the government's support for clean energy initiatives. With the delivery of the first Model Y, Tesla aims to expand its presence in India and contribute to the nation's green mobility goals.

The Model Y, a compact SUV, is one of Tesla’s most popular models globally, known for its advanced technology, performance, and efficiency. The vehicle's delivery to a prominent political figure like Pratap Sarnaik underscores the growing acceptance and importance of electric vehicles in India's automotive landscape.

As the country continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the adoption of electric vehicles is seen as a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Maharashtra’s proactive approach to promoting EVs is expected to set a positive precedent for other states and contribute to the nation's broader sustainability goals.