Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has joined the ranks of India's EV elite with the purchase of a Tesla Model Y. Sharma, who was among the first in India to reserve a Tesla back in 2016, took delivery of his new electric SUV at Tesla's recently inaugurated facility in Gurugram. This purchase marks a significant step for Sharma, reflecting a growing confidence in electric mobility among India's tech leaders.

The Tesla Model Y, delivered to Sharma in "Glacier Blue" by Tesla India head Sharad Agarwal, is available in two variants: a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base model priced at ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and a Long Range RWD variant at ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The base model offers a claimed range of 500 km, while the Long Range variant extends that to 661 km on a single charge. Both versions promise strong performance and access to Tesla's expanding Supercharger network across India.

Sharma's acquisition comes nearly a decade after he initially booked a Tesla Model 3, a plan that was put on hold when Tesla delayed its entry into the Indian market. With Tesla's official entry into India in 2025 and the launch of the Model Y, Sharma's long-standing aspiration has finally been realized.

The new Tesla center in Gurugram, where Sharma received his Model Y, offers a comprehensive suite of services, including retail, after-sales service, delivery, and charging. This facility is part of Tesla's broader strategy to establish a structured retail network in India, with the Gurugram center providing consultations, bookings, and test-drive support. The center also features Model Y test drives and V4 Superchargers.

The Model Y's arrival in India has generated considerable excitement, with other notable figures like Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and cricketer Rohit Sharma also taking delivery of the electric SUV. Sarnaik chose a Pearl White Multi-Coat finish for his Model Y, while Rohit Sharma opted for Stealth Grey.

Prior to acquiring the Tesla Model Y, Sharma expressed interest in Mahindra's electric vehicles, booking a Mahindra XEV 9E in February 2025. He lauded Anand Mahindra for creating an "irresistible EV" and chose the top-end variant with a 79 kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 656 km.

Tesla's entry into India includes two imported Model Y variants, priced at ₹59.89 lakh and ₹67.89 lakh, respectively. These models, imported from Shanghai, are subject to a 70% import duty, making them approximately 30% more expensive than their US counterparts. This pricing strategy reflects Tesla's positioning in the premium EV segment in the Indian market.

Tesla's self-driving cars are equipped with advanced Autopilot systems designed to enhance safety and convenience. Sharma has previously expressed admiration for Tesla's self-driving technology, predicting its initial use in institutional settings like airport buses and point-to-point shuttles.

The delivery of Vijay Shekhar Sharma's Tesla Model Y underscores the growing enthusiasm for high-end electric vehicles in India and marks a personal milestone for the Paytm CEO, who has long awaited Tesla's arrival in the country.