Mumbai, April 18, 2025 – Tesla’s new 2025 Model Y, known as “Juniper,” has been seen testing on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This is a big step for India’s electric vehicle (EV) market. India is making it easier for companies like Tesla to enter the country while being strict with Chinese EV companies like BYD.
What’s New with the Model Y Juniper?
A video shared by X user Ashish Pol (@ashishpol86) shows a covered-up (camouflaged) version of the new Model Y in India for the first time. The Juniper version of Tesla’s best-selling SUV comes with:
- Stylish C-shaped LED taillights
- A full rear light bar
- A new split headlight design (like Tesla’s Cybertruck)
- A fresh interior with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen
- A rear 8-inch screen for entertainment
- Ventilated seats and ambient lighting
It’s also more efficient. The car now has a sleeker shape (drag coefficient of 0.22) and can go up to 550 km (342 miles) on a full charge for the Long Range model.
Experts say the Model Y could be priced between Rs 65-70 lakh ($78,000–$84,000). It will compete with other electric SUVs in India like the BYD Seal, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
India Favors Tesla Over BYD
Tesla’s testing comes as India changes its rules to welcome Western companies while limiting Chinese ones. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently said India will not allow BYD to invest for now.
Last year, India stopped BYD’s $1 billion joint venture and didn’t approve Great Wall Motors (another Chinese company). The Indian government is worried about security and unfair trade practices from China.
To attract companies like Tesla, India lowered import taxes on EVs—from up to 100% to just 15%—if the company invests at least $500 million and sets up a local factory within three years.
Tesla is taking this opportunity seriously. They’ve rented big showroom spaces in:
- Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)
- New Delhi’s Aerocity
- Likely in Bengaluru too
They are also working to meet India’s vehicle safety and emission rules. Sales could begin between July and September 2025. Reports say Tesla will bring right-hand-drive cars from its factory in Germany, and India might reduce tariffs further under a new India-EU trade agreement.
Why This Matters for India’s EV Future
India wants more electric vehicles on its roads—30% of all cars and 80% of two- and three-wheelers by 2030. Government programs like FAME and policies in states like Delhi are helping this goal. Karnataka already has over 5,800 charging stations.
Still, there are challenges. EVs are expensive, charging stations are few, and battery replacement costs are high. Today, only 2.6% of all cars sold in India are electric.
Energy expert Rhea Kapoor says Tesla can help grow the EV industry in India by pushing competition and more charging stations. But she adds that cost and access to charging are still big problems.
A Global Race: Tesla vs. BYD
In the global market, Tesla faces tough competition from China’s BYD, especially in China. But India’s decision to keep BYD out gives Tesla an edge here. Many people online are excited, saying India could be “Tesla’s next China” because of its huge market and friendly rules.
Tesla will also start delivering the Model Y Juniper in places like the UK and China in May 2025. There are already 200,000 pre-orders in China.
What’s Next?
Tesla testing the Model Y near Mumbai is a big moment. The company is getting ready to launch in India with showrooms in major cities and might even build cars locally in the future.
India’s support for Tesla shows it wants to work more with Western companies and bring in clean, advanced technology. But Tesla will still have to deal with India’s high taxes and EV challenges.
If Tesla succeeds, it could help transform India’s car market into a cleaner, more high-tech future.