Tesla Model Y Range Update to 661km

Tesla Model Y Range Boost: Long Range Variant Now Hits 661km with Upgraded Battery

Tesla has quietly enhanced its Model Y, the only electric SUV available in India, by upgrading the Long Range variant's battery to deliver an impressive 661km range on a single charge. Previously limited to 622km, this Tesla Model Y range update addresses key concerns for long-distance drivers in the electric cars India market. Powered by a larger 84.2kWh battery pack replacing the 75kWh unit, the top-spec model now offers superior endurance without altering the sleek design or performance. Meanwhile, the base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version retains its 60kWh battery and 500km range, keeping entry-level appeal intact for urban commuters seeking the best electric SUVs under 70 lakh.

Priced from ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Model Y continues to garner strong interest, with over 600 bookings and 60 deliveries in September 2025 alone. This silent upgrade reflects Tesla's commitment to iterative improvements amid India's EV boom, where charging infrastructure expands and subsidies incentivize adoption. As Tesla Model Y variants evolve, this range extension positions it favorably against rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and Mahindra XUV400, enhancing its status in the premium electric SUV segment.

Battery Upgrade Details: From 75kWh to 84.2kWh for Extended Endurance

The core of this Tesla Model Y range update lies in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant's new 84.2kWh battery, a step up from the previous 75kWh pack. This enhancement boosts certified range to 661km (ARAI-tested), ideal for highway trips from Mumbai to Pune or Delhi to Jaipur without frequent stops. The upgrade maintains the dual-motor setup delivering 346kW power and 493Nm torque, ensuring 0-100kmph in just 5.7 seconds while prioritizing efficiency through advanced thermal management.

For the base RWD model, the 60kWh battery suffices for 500km, suiting city dwellers with access to home charging. Tesla's over-the-air (OTA) updates could further optimize range via software tweaks, a hallmark of Tesla Model Y variants. Priced at ₹69.89 lakh for Long Range, this positions it as a value leader in best electric SUVs under 70 lakh, where competitors often lag in real-world figures due to smaller packs.

• 84.2kWh pack: Increases energy density for 39km extra range.
• 661km certified: ARAI standard, real-world ~550-600km highway.
• Dual-motor AWD: Balances power and traction for Indian roads.
• Thermal efficiency: Pre-conditions battery for optimal charging.

This battery evolution underscores Tesla's focus on sustainability, using cobalt-free LFP cells in select packs, appealing to eco-conscious buyers in electric cars India.

Market Reception: Strong Bookings Signal EV Demand Surge

Since its India debut in 2024, the Tesla Model Y has seen robust uptake, with September 2025 marking over 600 bookings and 60 deliveries—a 20% month-on-month rise. This enthusiasm stems from Tesla's direct-to-consumer model via its Mumbai showroom and online configurator, bypassing traditional dealership hassles. The range update arrives timely, coinciding with festive season promotions and FAME-II subsidy extensions, further lowering effective ownership costs for Tesla Model Y range update seekers.

In a market projected to sell 1.2 million EVs by 2026, the Model Y's premium positioning—blending autopilot features and minimalist interiors—differentiates it from mass-market options. Early owners praise the 15-inch touchscreen and OTA ecosystem, though charging network gaps remain a hurdle. With this upgrade, Tesla eyes capturing 5% market share, leveraging the Long Range's appeal for fleet buyers and highway enthusiasts in best electric SUVs under 70 lakh.

• 600+ bookings Sept: Reflects premium EV hunger post-launch.
• 60 deliveries: Builds word-of-mouth via satisfied users.
• Festive incentives: Discounts up to ₹1.5 lakh on select variants.
• Fleet potential: Appeals to corporates with 661km for daily runs.

As deliveries ramp up, Tesla's service network expansion in Delhi and Bengaluru will be crucial to sustaining this momentum in electric cars India.

Competitive Edge: How Model Y Stacks Up Against Rivals

The Tesla Model Y range update sharpens its rivalry with the Tata Harrier EV (expected 550km range) and Kia EV6 (576km), where the 661km figure provides a clear advantage for intercity travel. At ₹59.89 lakh for RWD, it undercuts the BMW iX1 (425km) while offering superior software integration. The Long Range's AWD and 84.2kWh pack outpace the MG ZS EV's 461km, making Tesla Model Y variants a benchmark in best electric SUVs under 70 lakh.

Tesla's ecosystem—Autopilot, Sentry Mode, and app controls—adds intangible value, though Indian rivals edge in local servicing. With this upgrade, the Model Y addresses past critiques on range anxiety, potentially boosting resale values in a secondary market where EVs depreciate slower than ICE vehicles.

• Vs. Tata Nexon EV: Superior range and tech at premium price.
• Vs. Mahindra XUV400: 661km trumps 456km for highways.
• Vs. BYD Atto 3: AWD option edges front-wheel drive efficiency.
• Resale boost: Upgraded battery enhances long-term appeal.

This positions Tesla strongly in electric cars India, where range remains a top buyer priority per recent surveys.

Charging and Ownership: Practical Perks in India's EV Ecosystem

Complementing the Tesla Model Y range update, the model's DC fast charging supports up to 250kW, achieving 10-80% in 27 minutes—faster than many peers. Home Wall Connector installation, now subsidized under FAME-III, eases overnight charging for the 84.2kWh pack. With over 5,000 public stations via Tata Power and ChargePoint, urban owners face fewer barriers, especially in metros where the 500km base range covers weekly needs.

Ownership costs drop to ₹1.2/km versus ₹8/km for petrol SUVs, factoring in zero road tax and lower maintenance. Tesla's 8-year battery warranty (1.6 lakh km) assures longevity, while OTA updates keep the Tesla Model Y variants future-proof. For families, the 5-star Global NCAP rating and spacious 854L boot make it a versatile best electric SUVs under 70 lakh choice.

• 250kW DC charging: Quick stops for 200km adds.
• Home setup: 11kW AC for full charge in 8 hours.
• Low running costs: Savings of ₹2 lakh annually vs. diesel.
• Safety suite: Autopilot reduces accident risks by 40%.

These elements solidify the Model Y's role in accelerating electric cars India adoption.

Future Prospects: Tesla's Roadmap in Indian EV Space

Beyond this Tesla Model Y range update, Tesla plans a Gigafactory in Gujarat by 2027, localizing production to slash import duties and prices. This could introduce more Tesla Model Y variants, including a 7-seater option. With India's EV policy mandating 30% penetration by 2030, Tesla's focus on affordable long-range models aligns perfectly, potentially doubling September's bookings post-upgrade.

Global trends like solid-state batteries could push future ranges to 800km, but for now, the 661km milestone cements the Model Y's leadership in best electric SUVs under 70 lakh. As infrastructure matures, Tesla's ecosystem will drive mass adoption in electric cars India.

• Gigafactory timeline: Production start 2027, 500k units/year.
• 7-seater variant: Expected 2026 for family appeal.
• Policy tailwinds: 30% EV mandate boosts demand.
• Battery innovations: Solid-state for 20% range leap.

This upgrade is a strategic win, propelling Tesla forward in the competitive arena.

Why This Matters for Indian Buyers

The Tesla Model Y range update enhances viability for Indian roads, where distances and charging gaps challenge EVs. At 661km, it rivals ICE SUVs, offering silent, torque-rich drives with minimal emissions. For eco-aware consumers, this silent evolution makes the Model Y a compelling gateway to sustainable mobility.

As deliveries continue, expect heightened buzz around Tesla Model Y variants, solidifying its iconic status in electric cars India.