Tesla’s new EV Switch & Save Program for the Model Y is a big incentive, giving buyers up to Rs 3,00,000 as an exchange bonus if they trade in their old petrol or diesel cars. This move directly tackles the cost barrier of switching to an EV.
Despite the Model Y being a compelling electric SUV, it has not yet achieved the sales figures Tesla had expected in India. The company is making a fresh effort to increase interest and draw in more Indian customers by launching a smart new initiative called the EV Switch & Save Program. Under this direct offer, customers who trade in any petrol or diesel vehicle and purchase the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive variant will receive an exchange bonus worth up to Rs 3,00,000.
Financial Mechanics: Making Model Y Ownership a Practical Choice
The real genius of this program is in its financial engineering, designed not just to sell cars but to accelerate India’s transition toward electric mobility by making ownership genuinely affordable. Buyers can combine the exchange bonus with Tesla’s standard finance plan, which requires a down payment of Rs 6,00,000 and offers EMIs starting from Rs 49,000 per month.
However, when factoring in the estimated savings of up to Rs 20,000 per month on fuel and maintenance, the effective EMI could drop to around Rs 29,000. This clever math is key to making the Model Y far more appealing to pragmatic, cost-conscious customers.
Key Perks, Important Limitations, and the Fine Print
To further ease ownership, Tesla is enhancing convenience by including a complimentary wall connector with every Model Y purchase. This allows owners to conveniently charge their SUV at home, with running costs as low as Rs 1 per kilometre. Such practical features are directly aimed at reducing common barriers to EV adoption, especially for buyers who might be hesitant about public charging infrastructure.
However, potential buyers should note the fine print. The exchange bonus is limited to specific variants and colour options of the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive. To qualify, cars must be ordered and delivered before March 31, 2026. The company has clarified that Tesla will carefully verify the documents of the vehicle being exchanged, and any incomplete or suspicious paperwork could lead to rejection. Additionally, this scheme cannot be combined with other promotions unless officially permitted, with the final decision resting solely with Tesla.
Beyond the Offer: Performance Specs, Real-World Range, and Charging Access
Beyond the offers, it’s important to look at the car and the support network itself. Tesla operates direct experience centres in key metros like Gurugram, Mumbai, and Delhi, and has installed around 12 superchargers and 10 destination chargers across those cities to support longer trips. As for performance, the company has claimed impressive specs. The Model Y is offered in two main versions: the standard variant with a range up to 500 km, and the Long Range with up to 622 km.
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The performance is equally compelling. The standard model accelerates from 0-100 kph in a brisk 5.9 seconds, while the Long Range does it in 5.6 seconds; both have a top speed of 201 kph. For charging anxiety, fast charging is a game-changer. Tesla claimed that in just 15 minutes, it can restore roughly 238 km of range for the standard model and about 267 km for the Long Range, making long-distance travel far more practical.
