Well, that’s it. After years of speculation, facelifts, and Plaid upgrades, the axe has finally fallen. The Tesla Model S and Model X are officially dead.
Elon Musk confirmed the news during Tesla’s Q4 earnings call this week. Production at the Fremont factory will shut down in the second quarter of 2026. After that, the lines will be scrapped to make room for the company’s new obsession: the Optimus humanoid robot.
It is an unceremonious end for two cars that, for better or worse, defined the last decade of the automotive industry.
The Cars That Changed Everything
We have to give credit where it is due. When the Model S launched in 2012, it was a revelation. Before that car, EVs were weird little science projects that no one actually wanted to drive. The Model S was fast and it just worked. It forced the German giants to wake up and spend billions trying to catch up.
Without the Model S, we wouldn't have the Porsche Taycan or the Mercedes EQS. It started it all.
The Model X was a different beast. It proved you could make a family SUV that could out-drag a supercar. Sure, the falcon-wing doors were a nightmare to live with but it had character. In a sea of boring crossovers, it stood out.
Why Kill Them Now?
The cold hard truth is that nobody buys them anymore.
Last year, the S and X barely registered on Tesla’s sales charts. The Model 3 and Model Y are the ones paying the bills, accounting for 97% of deliveries. Keeping a dedicated production line running for two ancient, expensive models just doesn't make sense on a balance sheet.
But the replacement plan is pure Musk. There is no new flagship saloon coming. There is no Model X 2.0.
Instead, Musk says the factory space is needed for Optimus. He is pivoting the company hard towards AI and robotics, betting that millions of androids will eventually be worth more than selling luxury cars. It is a massive gamble, but when has he ever done anything small?
Last Call
If you have been saving up for a new Plaid, you are officially out of time. Musk advised that if you want one, you need to order it immediately.
Once production stops in a few months, that is it. The "next generation" vehicle isn't a car you can drive. It is the Cybercab, a steering-wheel-less robotaxi due to start production in April.
|
Model |
Status |
|
Model S |
Production ends Q2 2026 |
|
Model X |
Production ends Q2 2026 |
|
Successor |
None (Factory space goes to Optimus) |
|
Service |
Parts and software support continues |
FAQ
Can I still order a Model S?
Yes, but you need to hurry. Musk advised that anyone wanting a new one should order immediately. Production ends in mid-2026.
Is there a replacement?
Not a direct one. Tesla is focusing on the mass-market Model 3/Y and the upcoming Cybercab robotaxi. There is no new luxury sedan in the pipeline.
Why are they being cancelled?
Sales volume. They sell in tiny numbers compared to the cheaper models. Tesla wants to use their factory space to mass-produce the Optimus robot instead.
Will my old Tesla still work?
Yes. Tesla has confirmed they will continue to support the fleet with parts, service, and software updates indefinitely.
What is replacing the production line?
Robots. Specifically, the Tesla Optimus humanoid robot. Musk believes this product will be more valuable than the car business in the long run.
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