Tesla Ends Model S and X Production in June 2026

Tesla is ending production of the Model S and Model X by the end of Q2 2026. The two flagship models from the American automaker, in production since 2012 and 2015, will make way for Optimus humanoid robots at the Fremont plant. With only 50,000 units sold in 2025 across all categories (Model S, X, Cybertruck, and Semi), these premium models no longer justify their continued production.

"It's time to sunset the Model S and X programs with full honors, as we're really heading toward an autonomy-based future" — Elon Musk, Tesla CEO

Sales Collapse

The numbers don't lie. In 2025, Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles worldwide, but Model 3 and Model Y alone accounted for 97% of sales. The Model S and X, grouped with the Cybertruck and Semi under "other models," managed a pathetic 50,850 units for the year.

The Fremont plant has production lines capable of churning out 100,000 Model S and X units annually. A utilization rate that became laughable—which largely explains Elon Musk's decision. According to Caradisiac, sales actually declined by over 30% in the last twelve months.

The mid-2025 refresh changed nothing. A few aesthetic tweaks, marginally improved range for the Model X (566 km), and that's it. Hardly enough to revive models launched in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Fremont Pivots to Robotics

Out with cars, in with robots. Tesla will convert its 22,000 m² of automotive assembly lines into production units for Optimus, its humanoid robot. The goal? Reach one million units annually, according to Musk's claims.

Optimus leverages the same neural network technology as Tesla's Full Self-Driving system. The robot learns by watching videos or human demonstrations—no line-by-line programming required. An approach that should let Tesla capitalize on its AI advantage.

What About the 22,000 Workers?

Tesla insists no direct layoffs are planned. The California plant's 22,000 employees will be redeployed or retrained for new technologies. But the transition from automotive manufacturing to advanced robotics promises to be messy.

The company is betting everything on this pivot. With $2 billion invested in xAI, Elon Musk's AI company, Tesla is accelerating its transformation from automaker to AI and robotics specialist.

When Will the Last Model S and X Roll Off the Line?

Production ceases for good in late June 2026. Tesla is urging interested buyers to order now: "If you want to buy a Model S or Model X, you'd better do it soon," Elon Musk stated.

The Model S currently starts at €109,990 in France; the Model X at €114,990. Apparently not enough to win over customers increasingly drawn to competitors like the Lucid Air and new German EVs.

The End of an Era for Tesla

This decision marks a historical turning point. The Model S was Tesla's second model after the Roadster—the one that legitimized premium electric vehicles. With its 0–100 km/h in 2.1 seconds in Plaid and 600 km range, it long embodied the brand's technological showcase.

The Model X and its iconic gullwing doors democratized the family electric SUV. Together, these two models bankrolled development of the Model 3 and Model Y, which became Tesla's commercial pillars.

Now Tesla's lineup shrinks to three models: Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. A simplification that reflects Elon Musk's new strategy: fewer cars, more robots and AI. It's a bold bet. Whether Optimus robots will charm like Tesla's first electrics remains to be seen.

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