Elon Musk Says Tesla Will Stop Producing Its S and X Models as It Shifts to Making Robots

On a recent earnings call, Elon Musk disclosed that Tesla plans to end production of its flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV by the second quarter of 2026. Musk expressed that this decision, though somewhat sentimental, is part of a broader strategy to concentrate on the development of Optimus, Tesla's line of humanoid robots. He stated, “It’s time to bring the S and X programs to an end... it’s part of our overall shift to an autonomous future.”

The Model S and Model X, which debuted in 2012 and 2015 respectively, have been pivotal in establishing Tesla as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market. However, recent sales trends indicate a decline, with Tesla reporting a 46% drop in net income for the past year, marking it as the company's first annual revenue decline. In response to growing competition from manufacturers like BYD in China, Musk outlined a shift in priorities toward robotics, asserting that Tesla will use the Fremont facility to create robots rather than automotive components.

Musk highlighted that the changes aim to enhance Tesla's position in the market by focusing on advancements in robotaxi services and AI-driven solutions. He noted that to support this future vision, reallocation of resources, including the factory space currently dedicated to the S and X models, is essential.

In his remarks, Musk invited potential buyers to order their Model S and Model X vehicles promptly, indicating a limited time frame for these models. The Model S currently starts at around $95,000, while the Model X begins at approximately $100,000. Meanwhile, Tesla’s more popular models, the Model 3 and Model Y, accounted for nearly all of Tesla's 1.59 million vehicle deliveries last year.

As Tesla forays into robotics, it plans to increase its workforce and significantly ramp up production capabilities, transitioning to meet the anticipated demand for the Optimus robots. This move reflects Musk's vision of transforming Tesla from solely an EV manufacturer to an innovator in autonomous technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence, securing a foothold in these emerging industries.