
The time has come for the Tesla Model S and Model X as production of these iconic models nears its end. In a recent update on X, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that custom orders for the Model S sedan and Model X SUV have officially closed, leaving only a small inventory of these vehicles available for purchase. This shift has been anticipated for weeks, following Musk's announcement in January regarding the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X. Sales figures reveal a significant decline in their popularity, overshadowed by the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y. While Tesla combines the sales of the S and X models under the broader category of 'other models'—which now includes the upcoming Cybertruck—historical data indicates a peak of 101,312 units sold in 2017, dwindling to just 50,850 units in 2025, a stark contrast to the 1.63 million vehicles delivered globally last year. Looking towards the future, Musk is not replacing the Model S and Model X with another conventional electric vehicle. Instead, he has shifted focus to the Optimus robot and the Cybercab, an all-electric, two-seater autonomous vehicle that was first showcased as a prototype in 2024. Production of the Optimus robot is set to commence at Tesla's Fremont, California facility as soon as the last Model S and Model X units roll off the line. Meanwhile, the Cybercab is slated to enter production this month at the Austin, Texas factory. The legacy of the Model S and Model X is significant; the Model S, launched in 2012, was Tesla’s first major success in the electric vehicle market, reshaping consumer perceptions of EVs and prompting traditional automakers to reconsider their strategies. The Model X followed in 2015, initially facing delays and criticism for its complexity but ultimately capturing a new demographic and paving the way for Tesla's mass-market offerings. Despite continuing sales of the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has experienced a plateau in growth, even reporting a decline in total vehicle deliveries for two consecutive years. Recent figures show that in the first quarter of 2026, Tesla delivered 358,023 vehicles globally, which, while a slight increase from 2025, fell short of analysts' predictions. Musk asserts that Tesla's future lies not just in automotive manufacturing but in artificial intelligence. The Cybercab exemplifies this vision, designed to operate autonomously without conventional driving controls. However, it faces significant regulatory challenges before it can be deployed on public roads, as current safety standards require vehicles to have traditional steering mechanisms. To navigate these hurdles, Tesla may look towards precedents set by other companies, such as Zoox, which has secured exemptions for its own autonomous vehicles. As Musk continues to advocate for an AI-driven future, he envisions a time when the majority of miles traveled will be without human drivers, potentially changing the landscape of transportation as we know it.
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