Tesla Discontinues Model S and Model X to Focus on Robots

Elon Musk says the move is to make room for Optimus humanoid robot production at the Fremont factory.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:39pm

Tesla will discontinue production of its flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the second quarter of 2026, according to CEO Elon Musk. The company is shifting its focus to the mass-market Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, as well as its new Optimus humanoid robot project, which will take over manufacturing space at the Fremont factory.

Why it matters

The discontinuation of the Model S and Model X marks a significant shift in Tesla's product strategy, as the company moves away from its luxury vehicles to concentrate on more affordable models and its ambitious robot program. This reflects Musk's vision of transforming Tesla from an automotive company to one focused on self-driving technology and humanoid robots.

The details

Tesla sold 50,850 'other models', a category that includes the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck, in 2025 - a 40.2% decrease from the previous year. Musk cited the need to make room at the Fremont factory for Optimus robot production as the primary reason for discontinuing the Model S and Model X. The luxury sedan and SUV have seen declining sales in recent years as Tesla has focused more on its mass-market Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

  • Tesla will discontinue the Model S and Model X in the second quarter of 2026.
  • In 2025, Tesla sold 50,850 'other models', a category that includes the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck, representing a 40.2% decrease in sales year-over-year.

The players

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla, who announced the company's decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X in order to focus on the Optimus humanoid robot project.

Tesla

An American electric vehicle and clean energy company that is discontinuing its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles to make room for its Optimus robot production.

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What they’re saying

“The reasons for cancelling the vehicle programs was to make room at Tesla's Fremont factory for production of its Optimus humanoid robot.”

— Elon Musk, CEO

What’s next

Tesla has not provided a specific timeline for when the Model S and Model X will be discontinued, but the company has said the changes will take effect in the second quarter of 2026.

The takeaway

Tesla's decision to discontinue its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles in order to focus on its Optimus robot project represents a major strategic shift for the company, as it moves away from luxury automobiles to concentrate on more affordable models and emerging technologies like humanoid robotics.