Tesla kills off Model S and X in favour of Optimus humanoid robot
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the US carmaker will end production of the Model S and Model X at its Fremont factory in California, and use the plant to build its Optimus humanoid robots.
Introduced in 2012, the Model S was Tesla’s first in-house-developed EV, as its predecessor, the Tesla Roadster of 2008, was built on a Lotus Elise platform.
Fast-forward to 2015, and the Model X was introduced as Tesla’s maiden SUV. Both the Model S and X helped propel Tesla into the mainstream and open the door for the best-selling Model 3 and Model Y.
During Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings call on January 28, Musk said: “It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programmes to an end with an honourable discharge, because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy. If you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now would be the time to order it.”
The freed-up space in Tesla’s Fremont factory will allow the company to begin large-scale manufacturing of its Optimus humanoid robot by the end of 2026, and usher in what Musk described as “a world where there is no poverty”. Optimus sales are expected to begin in 2027.
In its earnings announcement, Musk also reported Tesla’s first annual revenue decline, revealing a 3% year-on-year drop. The company also confirmed a 16% drop in vehicle delivery numbers during that same period.
Despite culling the Model S and X, the Model 3 and Y remain untouched. As early as this month, Tesla announced that its entry-level ‘Standard’ editions of both cars will arrive in the UK next month, priced from £37,995 and £41,990 respectively.
The Model S and X were killed off briefly in Europe last summer. This was due to a lack of consumer interest following high purchasing costs and Musk’s involvement in controversial politics, such as backing Reform UK and the AfD in Germany.
