RIP: Model S and X production to end in Q2 2026!

[HaulingAss]

I see your point now. So, this is really more about opportunity cost since Optimus is part of their core focus in the next few years, and building a new production facility is very costly.

Certainly the freed up manufacturing space is valuable. But, more importantly, it takes a lot of top-notch brainpower to keep Model S and X production humming, those people's talents will be put to a higher purpose, a purpose that moves the needle of humanity further in a positive direction. It's important to know when it's time to move on. Nothing prevents them from releasing a re-engineered luxury sedan in the future, if it made sense.

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[spacebar75]

I have had both Model S and Model X, had to let go of the Model S due to divorce and the Model X to make space for the Cybertruck. Really mixed feeling about this, while on one hand wants to get a Model S now while supplies last, but is not a good long term investment with a discontinued product that is very difficult to maintain, fix and support by yourself. The model S with its technology stack and design beat hands down any car I have ever had, including the BMW's and Porsche's. But thats just my opinion.

 

[Black306]

Selfishly, I want a Plaid 3. The 3 is a better driver's car than the S, and a tri-motor version of the 3 would be an amazing performance vehicle. Doesn't make a ton of sense with maybe 10-20k in volume though

Same. Plaid speed is cool, but I’d prefer it in a 3 form factor/package. With the S discontinued, it paves the way for a 3 Plaid.

 

[2000prerunner]

Ok, so CT will be the next one to be cut. Tesla is on a different path. I want to keep driving my own vehicle as long as it is safe to do so.

Technically it is possible for humans to nearly outperform FSD / driverless cars. The proof is places like Norway or Denmark with 1 crash for every 1,000,000 miles driven. This is not hypothetical, but already demonstrated. Having driven in the EU , Mexico , and Asian countries I’ve always wondered which country was the benchmark for teslas FSD vs human comparisons. Because that makes a huge difference! Basically crappy low effort humans are “why we can’t have nice things”.

 

[Gaximus]

I loved mine, real bummer Tesla is getting away from premium vehicles. Wander what this means for the Roaster 2?

 

[AO-Pete]

Tesla still received 52% of their profit from regulatory credits in Q4

I was curious about this, and you're right. This graphic below shows it, courtesy of Sherwood.

 

[YDR37]

Certainly the freed up manufacturing space is valuable. But, more importantly, it takes a lot of top-notch brainpower to keep Model S and X production humming, those people's talents will be put to a higher purpose

I'm sure that Tesla wants to apply "top-notch brainpower" to the Optimus project -- but that doesn't necessarily mean the Model S/X production team at the Fremont factory. It's probably more the folks at Tesla Engineering HQ in Palo Alto, just 25 miles away. Elon moved Telsa's administrative HQ to Austin, but most of Tesla's engineering talent is still in the Bay Area.

I just searched the Tesla Careers page for "Optimus" to see where Tesla is hiring for the Optimus project. I got 117 job listings:

90 in Palo Alto, CA
17 in Fremont, CA
4 in other northern CA locations (3 in Lathrop, 1 in Sunnyvale)
4 in Austin, TX
2 elsewhere (1 in Elgin, IL and 1 in Sparks, NV)

There are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to Optimus design and manufacture. It probably fosters collaboration when the designers and the manufacturers are located in close proximity. And in this case, that means freeing up some manufacturing space at Fremont.

 

[CyberJustice]

Ordered a model X plaid to replace my 2020. There is literally not a better car for my family and there will never be 6 seater with falcon wing doors again.

 

[YDR37]

There are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to Optimus design and manufacture. It probably fosters collaboration when the designers and the manufacturers are located in close proximity. And in this case, that means freeing up some manufacturing space at Fremont.

And since Optimus development and manufacturing is happening in the Bay Area, this means that the Optimus team probably won't need any manufacturing space at Austin, at least not initially.

So Tesla is repurposing the S/X lines in Fremont for robot production, but this should not affect the the Cybertruck lines in Austin, at least in the short term. Obviously this could change in the long term, if Optimus is a big hit and Tesla needs to increase production.

 

[desertmarcy]

Ordered a model X plaid to replace my 2020. There is literally not a better car for my family and there will never be 6 seater with falcon wing doors again.

Do the seats all fold flat on the six seater for sleeping in the back? I have a 2018 P100D MX 5 seater and it's easier to sleep/camp in it than in the Cybertruck. Really tempted to get a new one while they are still available but I think I'm crazy...

 

[HaulingAss]

I'm sure that Tesla wants to apply "top-notch brainpower" to the Optimus project -- but that doesn't necessarily mean the Model S/X production team at the Fremont factory.

My point was not where the manufacturing brain-power is redeployed, it was that S&X production requires talent to keep the operation humming, all for very little return. Freeing up those human resources for ANY other purpose that has more impact than trickling out some luxury priced EVs is a big deal. Because Tesla's productivity is limited by technical talent. People are what drive Tesla's success and I'm sure the S&X lines were not using that talent at it's highest potential.

And in this case, that means freeing up some manufacturing space at Fremont.

I would argue that freeing up the manufacturing talent was more valuable than freeing up the manufacturing space. But freeing up both together allows Tesla to accomplish more in the future. Models S&X haven't been important to Tesla's continuing successes for many years.

 

[CyberJustice]

Do the seats all fold flat on the six seater for sleeping in the back? I have a 2018 P100D MX 5 seater and it's easier to sleep/camp in it than in the Cybertruck. Really tempted to get a new one while they are still available but I think I'm crazy...

Nah, they don't go flat at all, my main concerns is comfortability for my fam and having a high quality EV.

 

[desertmarcy]

Nah, they don't go flat at all, my main concerns is comfortability for my fam and having a high quality EV.

That vehicle will fit your needs very well!

 

[DJAlan2000]

Not surprising. In my opinion- it is unlikely that tesla will continue to sell consumer vehicles by 2035.

if they do, it will be limited compared to their other business components.

By 2035, IF cybercabs are going well AND if you can 'buy' one yourself, then it will be the end of MOST cars driven by humans...

I see where we could 'own' a Cybercab (or a few!), have them running around and giving rides to people to 'earn' money (to pay for the CC, charging, maintenance, etc.) but the 'owner' would be able to get 'priority' over it... So, if you have to commute, you put it into your calendar and it reserves it for you... If you want to go to the movies, you 'call' YOUR Cybercab (puts you at the top of the queue for that vehicle) and so on...

Basically, you would be buying a vehicle to drive you around and when you're not using it, it drives others around...

One car being used 40 hours a week or more is darn good, but 1 million of them? Not much need for anyone else to own a car... If the price is right...

 

[Fugue]

One car being used 40 hours a week or more is darn good, but 1 million of them? Not much need for anyone else to own a car... If the price is right...

Not owning a car is fine for the Uber market, but people who carry a lot of stuff, like families with small kids, want to keep their own space.

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