Nearly ten years after placing one of India’s earliest Tesla reservations, Arun Bhat S (@arunbhats), a 2016 Tesla booking holder, has finally taken delivery of his electric vehicle. After waiting for 9 years and 10 months, he received a Stealth Grey Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive at the Tesla India Experience Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
Back in 2016, Arun had reserved a Tesla Model 3 when the company opened global bookings for what was then promoted as an affordable electric sedan. At the time, Tesla had no formal presence in India, and its entry into the country was still uncertain. Like many early supporters, he remained hopeful through years of regulatory delays, policy challenges, and repeated speculation around Tesla’s India plans.
Over the years, shifting government policies, high import duties, and infrastructure limitations slowed Tesla’s expansion into the Indian market. As a result, thousands of reservation holders were left waiting while the brand continued to grow globally. Arun’s recent delivery marks one of the first tangible outcomes of Tesla’s long-awaited arrival in India.
Interestingly, while the original booking was for the Model 3, the final delivery was for the more popular and practical Model Y. Globally, the Model Y has emerged as Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, offering a balance of range, performance, and everyday usability. The Stealth Grey finish further highlights Tesla’s modern and minimalist design approach.
The handover took place at Tesla’s newly established Experience Centre in BKC, which now serves as the hub for Tesla’s operations in India. The facility allows customers to explore vehicles, understand charging solutions, and complete deliveries in a premium retail environment, reflecting the brand’s global retail standards.
For India’s EV community, this delivery carries symbolic importance. It represents the culmination of nearly a decade of anticipation and reflects how far the country’s electric mobility ecosystem has evolved during this period. From limited charging options in 2016 to rapidly expanding infrastructure today, the landscape has changed dramatically.
More importantly, this milestone signals growing momentum for Tesla in India. As more early reservation holders begin receiving their vehicles, confidence in the brand’s long-term commitment to the market is expected to strengthen.
Arun Bhat’s journey from booking to delivery stands as a testament to patience and belief in electric mobility. His story captures a defining moment in Tesla’s India chapter — one that many early supporters have been waiting years to see become reality.
