Tesla will phase out the Model S and X as it pivots toward robotaxis and humanoid robots, marking a major strategic shift.
Summary:
Elon Musk said Tesla will phase out Model S and Model X production, ending two of its longest-running vehicle lines.
Production is expected to wind down next quarter, with full cessation planned as Tesla pivots toward robots and autonomy.
Tesla will retool its Fremont, California factory to manufacture humanoid robots, including the planned Optimus line.
The move marks a strategic shift away from legacy premium EVs toward robotaxis and AI-driven robotics.
Tesla shares rose about 2% in after-hours trade, despite signs of broader revenue pressure.
Tesla is set to end production of its Model S and Model X vehicles as the company accelerates a strategic pivot toward autonomous driving and humanoid robotics, according to comments from Chief Executive Elon Musk.
Speaking on a call with investors and analysts on Wednesday (after earnings) , Musk said Tesla would begin phasing out the two models later this year, with production expected to wind down next quarter before coming to a halt. While the vehicles will no longer be built, Musk said Tesla will continue to support existing owners for as long as the cars remain on the road.
The decision marks the end of an era for Tesla. The Model S, launched in 2012, played a critical role in bringing electric vehicles into the mainstream at a time when demand was widely questioned. The Model X followed in 2015, expanding Tesla’s lineup into the SUV segment, though it faced early reliability challenges. Together, the models helped establish Tesla as a dominant force in the global auto industry.
Musk acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision but framed it as a necessary step in Tesla’s broader transformation. He said the phase-out is part of a wider operational overhaul designed to refocus the company on robotaxis and humanoid robots, which he views as Tesla’s long-term growth engines.
As part of the shift, Tesla plans to convert its Fremont, California facility from a traditional auto manufacturing plant into a production hub for its planned Optimus humanoid robots. Those robots are not yet commercially available, and large-scale production timelines remain unclear.
The announcement coincided with Tesla’s latest earnings release. While the company beat earnings expectations for the final quarter of last year, full-year revenue declined around 3% from 2024 levels, highlighting ongoing pressure on vehicle sales amid rising competition and softer demand. Tesla shares rose about 2% in after-hours trading following the update.
