For over a decade, the Model S was the face of the electric revolution. It was the car that proved EVs could be sexy, fast, and desirable. But in a move that signals a massive pivot for the company, Elon Musk has officially announced the end of the line for the cars that built the Tesla empire.
During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call on January 28, 2026, Musk confirmed that Tesla will cease production of the Model S and Model X by the end of Q2 2026.
The reason? To make room for the company’s new obsession: the Optimus humanoid robot.
An “Honorable Discharge”
Musk described the discontinuation as an “honorable discharge” for the two vehicles. “It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end,” Musk told investors. “We’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy.”
For automotive historians, this is a significant moment.
- The Model S (Launched 2012): The sedan that put Tesla on the map, forcing the entire global auto industry to take electrification seriously.
- The Model X (Launched 2015): The “Falcon Wing” SUV that became a status symbol for tech moguls and celebrities.
Despite their fame, sales for both models have slumped in recent years, overshadowed by the cheaper, mass-market Model 3 and Model Y. In 2025, the S and X accounted for less than 3% of Tesla’s total deliveries.
From Cars to “Optimus”
The most shocking part of the announcement isn’t just that the cars are dying—it’s what will replace them.
Tesla isn’t retooling the Fremont, California factory lines to build a new car. Instead, those assembly lines are being converted to manufacture Optimus, Tesla’s general-purpose humanoid robot.
Musk has previously claimed that Optimus could eventually be “more significant than the vehicle business,” aiming for a production capacity of 1 million robots per year at the repurposed facility. The goal is to have these robots handle dangerous or repetitive tasks in factories and, eventually, homes.
What This Means for Buyers
If you have ever dreamed of owning a brand-new Model S or Model X, your window is closing fast.
- Ordering: Musk explicitly stated, “If you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now would be the time to order it.”
- Support: Tesla has confirmed they will continue to service and support existing Model S and X vehicles indefinitely, so current owners won’t be left stranded.
The Pivot to AI
This move cements Tesla’s transition from a “car company” to an “AI and Robotics company.” With the Cybercab (Robotaxi) slated for production and the massive investment in Optimus, the Tesla of 2030 will look very different from the car manufacturer we know today.
The Model S changed the world. Now, it’s stepping aside to see if a robot can do the same.