The End of an Era: Tesla's Model S and Model X Reach Their Final Days

Elon Musk confirmed this week that custom orders for the Tesla Model S and Model X are over, marking the end of an era for the two high-end electric vehicles.

The Model S and Model X have been a staple of Tesla's lineup since their introduction in 2012 and 2015, respectively. However, in recent years, their popularity has waned as the company's more affordable models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, have taken center stage.

The data suggests that Tesla's decision to focus on its more affordable offerings was a strategic move. Sales of the Model S and Model X have been steadily declining over the years, with the combined figures peaking in 2017 at 101,312 vehicles before declining to 50,850 vehicles in 2025.

So, what's next for Tesla? The company has ditched plans to produce a lower-cost EV and is instead focusing on the Optimus robot and the Cybercab, a highly anticipated all-electric two-seater autonomous vehicle.

The Cybercab: A Major Regulatory Hurdle

The Cybercab's highly anticipated launch is facing a major regulatory hurdle: federal motor vehicle safety standards require vehicles to have a steering wheel and pedals. However, the Cybercab's design does not include these features, raising concerns about its safety on public roads.

Tesla has not yet demonstrated that its Full Self-Driving software can operate reliably at scale, which is a major requirement for the Cybercab's autonomy. Additionally, robotaxi operations are also subject to regulatory requirements, including permits to deploy and charge for rides in driverless vehicles.

A New Era for Tesla

The end of the Model S and Model X marks a new era for Tesla, one that is focused on AI and autonomous driving. The company's AI efforts are being led by the Optimus robot and the Cybercab, both of which are highly ambitious projects.

While the Cybercab faces significant regulatory hurdles, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about transportation. With its focus on AI and autonomy, Tesla is taking a bold step into the future, one that may pay off in the long run, but also comes with significant risks.

Conclusion

The end of the Model S and Model X marks the beginning of a new era for Tesla. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI and autonomous driving, it's clear that the stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even higher.