Mid-Day AutomobileMidday Newsen-ushttps://www.mid-day.com/tech/automobile23632738<![CDATA[Tesla launches Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive in India at Rs 50.89 lakh]]>2026-05-29T14:59:34https://www.mid-day.com/tech/automobile/article/tesla-expands-india-lineup-with-new-model-y-premium-rear-wheel-drive-at-rs-50-89-lakh-23632738Mid-dayAutomobileContinuing its product portfolio expansion drive in India, American electric carmaker Tesla on Friday introduced the 2026 Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive. Priced at Rs 50.89 lakh, this is Tesla's most-affordable offering so far.

The introduction of the Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive follows the launch of the company's second model, a three-row six-seater SUV Model YL priced at Rs 61.99 lakh last month, reported PTI.

Tesla made its much-awaited entry into the country last year, launching its Model Y priced at Rs 59.89 lakh.

"Tesla will keep investing in the country to create a seamless EV experience in India, with more retail coverage, after-sales services and charging locations coming soon," Tesla Senior Director Isabel Fan said in a statement.

The Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive, a new variant of Model Y — the world's best-selling EV as of March 2026 — introduces a suite of hardware and design enhancements, elevating both performance and interior sophistication, the company said.

Tesla to begin Model Y deliveries in India from July 2026

The delivery of the Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive will start in July, PTI reported.

The vehicle has a range of up to 500 km on a single charge (WLTP) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

Besides bringing new products, Tesla has been expanding its charging network, including superchargers, across major hubs in India as it looks to accelerate its journey in the country.

It is looking to build charging infrastructure around the major hubs: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune.

At present, the company has 'Tesla Experience Centers' in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, and a Tesla Centre at Sohna Road, Gurugram.

Tesla launches new six-seater Model YL in India

Tesla has launched the Model Y L, which their all-new six-seater in India today at The Ballard Pier Downtown Experience Centre in Mumbai. 

With this, the online orders have opened on April 22. People can also visit the Tesla locations in Bandra-Kurla Complex in the Maximum City, and Aerocity in Delhi, as well as Orchid Business Park in Gurugram to experience Model YL. 

All you need to know about Tesla Model YL 

Model YL, with a range of up to 681 km (WLTP), 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.0 seconds and cargo space up to 2,539 L, is designed to be a family vehicle to provide more interior space, versatility and utility for family users.

Model YL also maximises headroom, legroom and comfort to give an easy experience to the driver and passengers in the three-row, six-seat design. 

The second-row captain seats feature powered armrests, one-touch folding, ventilation, and heating, while the third row gets power recline, one-touch folding and vented climate control. 

With an acoustic glass, an updated suspension system, a new 19-inch Machina Wheels, 18 speakers and 1-subwoofer immersive Tesla Audio system providing passengers with a calm and quiet ride. 

The refined chassis of Model Y L with adaptive suspension and electronic damping shocks adjust to road conditions to filter out vibrations and provide improved grip, enhancing the handling of the driver - perfect for daily commuting and family trips.  Tesla vehicle is the most-connected vehicle that enhances in-car experience with live traffic visualization, satellite-view map, view live camera and in-car streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Netflix (A paid subscription to third-party streaming services may be required to access music and media streaming). 

The Model Y L price starts at Rs 61,99,000, monthly payment starts at Rs 49,000; first delivery starts in June 2026 across India. 

Model Y specification and pricing trim range (WLTP) 

Premium rear-wheel drive  
500 km (19 inches Crossflow Wheels) 

Top Speed 201 km/hr

0-100km/h Acceleration 5.9 seconds

Starting Price Rs 59.89 lakh  

Premium long range rear-wheel drive
661 km (19 inches crossflow wheels) 

Top Speed 201 km/hr

0-100km/h Acceleration 5.6 seconds 

Starting price Rs 67.89 lakh 

Premium all-wheel drive
681 km (19 inches Machina 2.0 Wheels) 

Top Speed 201 km/hr

0-100km/h Acceleration 5 seconds 

Starting Price: Rs 61.99 lakh 

(With inputs from PTI)

]]> 23576037<![CDATA[Tesla Robotaxi wows first riders in Austin with seamless self-driving]]>2025-06-23T12:12:03https://www.mid-day.com/tech/automobile/article/tesla-robotaxi-wows-first-riders-in-austin-with-seamless-self-driving-23576037Mid-dayAutomobileTesla's long-awaited robotaxi service is officially live. Early riders are sharing the first look at their trips inside driverless Model Y electric SUVs now cruising the streets of Austin, Texas.

After years of anticipation, Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing dream is becoming a reality. The company recently rolled out a small fleet of 10 self-driving Model Ys in South Austin. The invite-only service is currently operating within a geofenced area, and passengers have begun posting videos of their hands-free rides across social media.

One X user who experienced the ride shared, “The best tech feels like magic because it’s so normal you don’t even notice it… until you do. Took a ride in a Tesla Robotaxi today. In this clip, it pulls aside on a narrow street with construction, making room for an oncoming car that illegally enters our lane. The other driver slows down, begins to apologise, then looks stunned when he realises there’s no driver. He smiles and gives a big thumbs up. An incredible display of real-world AI. Congrats to Elon Musk, Ashok Elluswamy and the Tesla AI team. Excited to see this scale to Robotaxis and eventually Optimus.”

Another X user noted, “Tesla Robotaxi performance at night is just as impressive as during the day.”

Podcaster Rob Maurer, host of Tesla Daily, also shared his experience on X, posting a full video of his trip across South Austin, ten miles from start to finish.

Tesla AI's official X account emphasised scalability, stating, “Our approach to autonomy enables deployment anywhere it’s approved, without expensive, specialised equipment or detailed maps. It just works.”

Passengers were clearly impressed, with one summing it up as: “Smoother than a human driver. Absolutely amazing work by Tesla and the team. Well done.”

Overall, riders seem thrilled with Tesla’s Robotaxi experience, hailing it as a major leap toward the future of autonomous transport.

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