Tesla has officially started its charging services in India! On August 4, 2025, Tesla launched its first charging station at One BKC in Mumbai, marking the arrival of its EV infrastructure in the country.
That station features:
- 4 Supercharger stalls (DC, up to 250 kW).
- 4 Destination Charger stalls (AC, 11 kW).
What’s Happening in India?
Tesla launched its first showroom and charging hub in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in early August 2025. This is the first of eight planned Supercharger sites across India. Tesla aims to add more stations soon in Lower Parel, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and then in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.
What is a Supercharger?
A Supercharger is Tesla’s fastest charger. It uses direct current (DC) to add energy quickly to the battery.
Speed & Power
- Max power: 250 kW (Tesla V4 hardware).
- Adds around 267 km of range in just 15 minutes on a Model Y, depending on conditions.
Cost
- ₹24 per kWh.
- Full charge (Model Y RWD ~62.5 kWh battery): ₹1,500–₹1,800 depending on variant.
- Tesla app handles payment—easy and automatic.
When Use It?
- Best for long-distance travel or quick charging stops
- Ideal for highway routes, busy roads, and expressways
What is a Destination Charger?
A Destination Charger is an AC charger usually installed at hotels, malls, and other public places.
Speed & Power
- Power: 11 kW AC charger.
- Charges slower: 4–6 hours to go from near zero to full.
Cost
- ₹11–₹14 per kWh.
- Full charge costs around ₹850–₹900 for ~62.5 kWh battery.
When to Use It?
- Best if you’re parked overnight or indoors for hours.
- Often in malls or hotels – convenient and lower cost.
Side‑by‑Side Cost & Speed Comparison
| Feature | Supercharger (DC, 250 kW) | Destination Charger (AC, 11 kW) |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Speed | ~15–30 minutes to ~80 % | ~4–6 hours to ~100 % |
| Cost per kWh | ₹24/kWh | ₹11–₹14/kWh |
| Estimated Full Charge | ₹1,500–₹1,800 (Model Y RWD) | ₹850–₹900 (Model Y RWD) |
| Best Used For | Long trips, quick stops | Overnight stays, shopping visits |
| Availability (India) | Launch site: Mumbai BKC | Same location at One BKC |
What About Home Charging?
Tesla also supports home charging in India, where you can charge overnight with a wall connector. Costs vary with the local electricity rate—typically ₹8–₹12 per kWh, depending on location and tariff slab. Home charging is the most economical option if you charge daily at night.
Real‑World Use Case: A Trip from Delhi to Mumbai
Imagine driving a Tesla Model Y RWD from Delhi to Mumbai (~1,400 km):
- Stop at Tesla’s planned Superchargers in Gurugram or Noida, Pune, and Mumbai-BKC.
- Charge for 15–20 minutes at each stop for ~200–250 km of range.
- Each Supercharge costs ~₹1,500 per full battery top-up.
- At your hotel in Mumbai, use the Destination Charger overnight—pay ₹900 max.
- Total charging cost for the trip: ~₹5,000, far cheaper than fuel for a petrol SUV.
FAQ
Is ₹24/kWh good or expensive?
It’s still cheaper than petrol; ₹1,500 gives ~500 km WLTP range, vs petrol costing ₹4,000–₹5,000 for that distance.
Can other EVs charge at Tesla stations?
Not yet. Tesla Superchargers currently work only with Tesla cars in India.
Are there penalties if you stay plugged in too long?
In many markets, Tesla imposes idle fees. In India, details aren’t confirmed yet, but likely similar charges will apply if you stay plugged after charging is done en.wikipedia.org.
Does Supercharging affect battery health?
Minimal impact. Tesla manages battery temperature and charging rates to protect battery lifespan.
Why Tesla Charging Services Matter
- Convenient: Fast, easy charging via app.
- Affordable: Even Supercharging is cheaper than fuel.
- Reliable: Uptime of 99.95% reported at BKC station.
- Green: Supports cleaner transportation.
- Smart Navigation: Tesla app guides you to stations and preconditions battery for quicker charging.
What’s Coming Next in India?
Tesla is expanding quickly. Planned additions:
- Additional Supercharger sites: Lower Parel, Thane, Navi Mumbai by September 2025.
- New showrooms in Delhi and setting up chargers in Aerocity, Noida, Gurugram.
Tesla aims to roll out 16 Superchargers in Delhi and 16 Destination Chargers across malls and hotels in multiple cities
Tesla’s entry into India marks a major step toward EV infrastructure in the country. You now have clear options:
- Use Superchargers when you need fast power on the go.
- Use Destination Chargers when parked longer.
- Charge at home daily for the lowest cost.
As Tesla builds more stations in India, charging will soon be faster, cheaper, and easier across many cities.
Stay curious, stay charged, and enjoy your ride—without worrying about fuel bills!