Dead: Tesla Model S And Model X. Alive: Robots

Tesla is wrapping up production of the Model S and Model X to make room for production of its Optimus humanoid robots, naturally.

2026 Tesla Model S

Photo by: Tesla

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Jan 28, at 9:50pm ET

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THE BREAKDOWN

Model S and X are ending production in 2026 after years as Tesla’s flagship vehicles.
Fremont will shift to Optimus robot production, not cars.
Tesla is seemingly going all in on AI and robotics.

Say goodbye to theTesla Model S and Model X. The EV maker is set to end production of its two longest-running model lines next quarter to make room for humanoid robots, obviously.

CEO Elon Musk confirmed the news during Tesla's earnings call on Wednesday, announcing that production of the Model S and Model X will wind down at the company’s Fremont, California, factory to make way for large-scale manufacturing of its Optimus humanoid robots.

"It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end with an honorable discharge," Musk said during the call. "We’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy."

Musk acknowledged that the decision was a "sad" moment for the company, but said Tesla is targeting annual production of up to 1 million Optimus robots once the shift is complete.

End Of The (Production) Line

2026 Tesla Model X

2026 Tesla Model X

Photo by: Tesla

Despite recent refreshes for both the Model S and Model X, the move isn’t entirely surprising. The Model S has been in production since 2012 and got a major update for the 2017 model year. The EV received a minor facelift toward the tail end of 2025, gaining a light design update and more range.

The Model X debuted in 2015, but it didn’t see meaningful changes until late last year. Like the Model S, the Model X received minor design tweaks and modest range improvements, with the SUV offering up to 352 miles on a single charge. Not that it matters much now.

What do you think?

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Tesla will continue producing the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. In 2025, the company sold more than 1.6 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, making them two of the best-selling EVs in the world. By comparison, Tesla sold just 50,850 units of the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck combined.

Motor1's Take: We’re actually a bit sad to see the Model S go—especially with so many sedans leaving the market. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a stylish luxury EV—and in Plaid form, it was impressively quick. The Model X, on the other hand? We won’t miss it too much, if we’re being honest.