I pay close attention when big EVs get better, and the Tesla Model Y in India just got a meaningful one. Tesla increased the battery pack on the India-spec Long‑Range RWD, and that change makes long drives more practical. In this post I’ll explain what changed, why it matters for real trips, and what you can expect from charging and cost.
What changed: the battery upgrade explained
Here’s the short version: Tesla has boosted the physical battery capacity for the India Long‑Range RWD model from about 78.1 kWh to roughly 84.2 kWh. This is a hardware change, not just a software tweak. The result is an increase of about 39 km in WLTP claimed range, bringing the new WLTP figure to around 661 km.
This upgrade was first reported in early–mid October 2025. Tesla launched the Model Y in India as imported CBU units in July 2025, and the battery bump arrived a few months later. Importantly, other performance numbers — like the 0–100 km/h time of about 5.6 seconds for the Long‑Range RWD — remain unchanged.
How the extra range changes long‑drive planning
I like to imagine real trips when a car gets more range. For example, a common long drive in India is Mumbai to Goa — roughly 590 km depending on route. With a WLTP figure of 661 km, the Model Y Long‑Range now can cover that trip in one go by claimed numbers, leaving some margin for real-world losses.
Of course WLTP is optimistic. In hot weather, with AC, or on highways, you might see lower figures. Still, the extra 39 km is useful: it reduces range anxiety, increases usable buffer, and gives more route and charging flexibility. For daily driving and weekend long-haul trips, that improvement matters.
Charging and network: why long drives just got more practical
Battery range is only one half of the long‑drive story. The other is fast charging. Tesla is rolling out V4 Superchargers and experience centres across India—cities such as Mumbai and Delhi (Aerocity) are already active, with more sites planned.
V4 Superchargers claim high-speed gains: you can add about 267 km in roughly 15 minutes under ideal conditions. That means even on a long trip, a short stop can put you back on the road quickly. Together with the range bump, V4 charging makes multi-hundred-kilometer trips much more realistic.
Price, value, and how Tesla compares
Good news: Tesla reportedly kept the ex-showroom prices unchanged when the battery upgrade rolled out. The Long‑Range RWD remains listed at ₹67.89 lakh, while the Standard RWD is around ₹59.89 lakh. That means buyers get more range without a higher sticker price.
That has a few effects. First, it improves the Model Y’s competitiveness against rivals like BYD, Kia, and Hyundai in the luxury EV space. Second, it strengthens Tesla’s value proposition in India where long distances and inconsistent charging can be obstacles.
Quick spec comparison: before and after
| Spec | Previous Long‑Range RWD | Upgraded Long‑Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity (approx.) | ~78.1 kWh | ~84.2 kWh |
| WLTP claimed range | ~622 km | ~661 km |
| Range gain | ~39 km | |
| 0–100 km/h | ~5.6 s | ~5.6 s |
| Ex‑showroom price (India) | ₹67.89 lakh | ₹67.89 lakh |
| Fast charging (V4 claim) | — | ~267 km in ~15 minutes |
Real-world example and a short case study
I spoke with a friend who test-drove the Model Y in Delhi recently. They reported highway cruising at around 110–120 km/h returns roughly 75–85% of WLTP in similar conditions. For them, a claimed 661 km translated to an effective 500–560 km on a fast highway run, which fits many popular intercity drives in India.
Using that real-world range plus V4 charging, a typical long trip might look like this: drive 480–520 km, stop for a 15–20 minute V4 charge to add ~250–267 km (more than enough to finish or reach the next major stop), and continue. That’s a simple, practical plan that reduces long breaks and keeps travel time reasonable.
What this upgrade means for buyers and owners
If you’re considering buying a Tesla in India, the upgrade is a clear win. You get more usable distance without a price increase. If you already own a Model Y Long‑Range RWD imported earlier in 2025, this change likely won’t apply to your car retroactively unless Tesla offers a separate retrofit program — the reports show this is a hardware pack change for new units.
For owners, the expanding Supercharger network is equally important. Tesla’s V4 chargers and more experience centres mean test drives, service access, and fast charging are becoming easier to find in major metro corridors.
Also Read: Suzuki’s New Scooter Will Run on Hydrogen, Not Petrol or Battery
Final Thoughts
In short: the Tesla Model Y in India just became a more practical long‑distance EV. The battery capacity increase from roughly 78.1 kWh to about 84.2 kWh adds ~39 km WLTP range for a new claimed figure near 661 km. Tesla kept ex‑showroom prices steady, and the rollout of V4 Superchargers (~267 km in ~15 minutes) improves long-drive usability even more.
If you ask me, this combination of more battery and faster charging is what makes long drives more exciting — and more doable — in India. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a cross-state run, the upgraded Model Y lowers the barriers that once made EV long-distance travel a bit stressful.
If you want, I can pull the full news articles with direct links, check for an official Tesla press release confirming the battery change, or compare the Model Y kilometer-for-kilometer with specific rivals. Which would you prefer?
