Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday announced that he has purchased a Tesla Model Y with the aim of inspiring citizens, especially the younger generation, to embrace electric mobility. The vehicle was delivered at Tesla’s newly inaugurated showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

Sharing the news on X, Sarnaik wrote, “I have taken delivery of the Tesla to spread awareness about electric mobility among citizens, especially the younger generation. I want children to see these cars early and understand the importance of sustainable transportation.” He added that he plans to gift the car to his grandson as a symbolic gesture, underscoring the need for awareness-driven adoption of sustainable technologies.

Tesla’s entry into India this year has drawn much anticipation, but its sales performance has been relatively modest. Since bookings opened in mid-July, the automaker has secured just over 600 orders, according to reports earlier this week. For perspective, Tesla sells that many units globally within a few hours. The company expects to deliver between 350 and 500 cars in India during 2025, with the first shipment having arrived from its Shanghai facility in September.

Deliveries will initially be limited to four cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram. Meanwhile, Tesla is setting up charging infrastructure in Mumbai and Delhi and is planning a new experience centre in South India next year.

Minister Sarnaik highlighted that symbolic actions such as his own can drive broader acceptance of electric vehicles in the state. “Even if the cost is slightly higher today, what matters more is setting the right example and accelerating EV adoption,” he said.

He also pointed out that Maharashtra is already offering strong incentives for EV users, including toll exemptions on the Atal Setu and the Samruddhi Expressway. The state transport department, he noted, has procured around 5,000 electric buses, reinforcing the government’s commitment to greener transport.