Tesla has officially reached the end of an era. CEO Elon Musk announced this week via social media that custom orders for the Model S sedan and Model X SUV have concluded, with only existing inventory units remaining available for purchase. "All that's left are some in inventory," Musk confirmed in his post on X.
This development follows Musk's initial announcement in January regarding Tesla's intention to cease production of both flagship models. The decision reflects shifting market dynamics that have fundamentally altered Tesla's product portfolio.
Sales data reveals a clear downward trajectory for both vehicles. Tesla's "other models" category, which encompasses the Model S, Model X, and more recently the Cybertruck, reached peak performance in 2017 with 101,312 units sold. By 2025, this figure had declined to 50,850 vehicles—representing a significant decrease relative to Tesla's total global deliveries of 1.63 million vehicles that year. The Model 3 and Model Y have effectively captured the majority of Tesla's sales volume, offering more accessible pricing and broader market appeal.
Tesla's strategic pivot marks a departure from conventional automotive expansion. Rather than developing the previously anticipated $25,000 entry-level electric vehicle, the company is redirecting resources toward two distinct initiatives: the Optimus humanoid robot and the Cybercab autonomous vehicle platform.
Production planning indicates a clear timeline for this transition. Tesla intends to utilize its Fremont, California facility for Optimus robot manufacturing following the conclusion of Model S and Model X production. Simultaneously, Cybercab production is scheduled to commence this month at Tesla's Austin, Texas manufacturing facility. The Cybercab, unveiled as a concept in 2024, represents an all-electric, two-seat autonomous vehicle designed for ride-sharing applications.
Historical significance
The Model S and Model X vehicles have evolved from market leaders to niche products within Tesla's expanding portfolio. However, their historical impact on the electric vehicle industry remains substantial. The Model S, launched in 2012, represented Tesla's first high-volume electric vehicle and fundamentally shifted consumer perceptions of electric mobility.
The vehicle's market success served as a catalyst for broader industry transformation, compelling traditional automotive manufacturers to reconsider their electric vehicle strategies. What began as skepticism from legacy automakers gradually transformed into comprehensive electrification initiatives across the industry, largely influenced by Tesla's early market validation through the Model S platform.
Share this story