Tesla produces the last of the iconic EVs that changed the industry

Tesla has officially concluded production of its iconic Model S and Model X electric vehicles, delivering the final units after selling over 750,000 worldwide. These models played a pivotal role in transforming the electric vehicle market, demonstrating that EVs could rival or surpass traditional cars in performance and safety. Tesla marked this milestone by releasing a limited run of 250 Signature Edition vehicles, which were recently handed over to select customers in a special event. The Model S, launched in 2012, was Tesla’s first flagship sedan and set new standards for electric cars, including the introduction of the tri-motor Model S Plaid variant capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just over two seconds. The Model X followed in 2015 as the company’s first family SUV, notable for its innovative gull-wing doors and exceptional safety ratings, including being the first SUV to pass US rollover tests without rolling over. Both vehicles earned numerous accolades for their speed, safety, and technological advancements, influencing the wider automotive industry’s shift towards electrification. Over the years, Tesla continually updated these models with new hardware and software, including the integration of Hardware 4.0 for enhanced Autopilot features. However, the latest versions were not made available in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, where Tesla ceased production for these variants in 2023. Sales of the Model S and Model X gradually declined as Tesla’s more affordable Model 3 and Model Y surged in popularity, becoming some of the best-selling electric vehicles globally. Looking ahead, Tesla plans to repurpose the production lines previously used for the Model S and Model X to manufacture its Optimus robot, signalling a strategic shift towards robotics alongside its automotive ambitions. The end of these two flagship models marks the close of a significant chapter in electric vehicle history, underscoring Tesla’s influence in accelerating the global adoption of cleaner transportation.