Tesla has confirmed it will begin winding down production of the Model S and Model X from next quarter, effectively signalling the end of the two flagship vehicles in 2026.
The announcement was made directly by Tesla via its official X account, where the company said the decision comes as it shifts focus toward an autonomous future. Customers who still want to own either model were encouraged to place orders soon, with Tesla stating that availability will become increasingly limited.
In its post, Tesla also paid tribute to the importance of both vehicles, saying the company “wouldn’t be what it is today without Model S & X and their early owners,” thanking them for their support over the last decade.
First launched in 2012, the Model S played a major role in proving that electric cars could compete with — and outperform — traditional premium saloons. The Model X followed later, pushing Tesla further into the large SUV market with its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology. Together, they helped establish Tesla as a dominant force in the global EV market.
DM Commentary
This marks a significant moment in Tesla’s history.
The Model S and Model X were never mass-market cars, but they were hugely influential. They showed what electric vehicles could be long before EVs became mainstream, and they helped change public perception of electric cars from slow and boring to fast, high-tech, and aspirational.
From a taxi and private-hire perspective, this move makes sense. These models have become increasingly expensive to buy, insure, and repair, making them less practical for professional drivers compared with newer, more cost-efficient EVs. Tesla’s priorities are clearly shifting away from driver-owned premium vehicles toward software, autonomy, and future fleet-based services.
More broadly, winding down two iconic, driver-focused models reinforces Tesla’s long-term direction. The company is betting that autonomy — not traditional car ownership — will define its next chapter. For drivers, operators, and the wider transport industry, it’s another sign that the role of the human driver may continue to shrink as technology takes over.
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