Tesla Halts Tesla Model S/X: Robotaxis and Optimus Prioritized

Tesla just made a big move. By publishing its Q4 2025 results on January 28, 2026, the manufacturer announced the discontinuation of production for the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X, its historic models that changed everything. But that’s not all: Tesla is massively accelerating its efforts on supervisor-less robotaxis and preparing for mass production of the Optimus robot.

I’ve analyzed these results in detail, and frankly, it’s a major turning point. We are witnessing three simultaneous revolutions: the end of an iconic lineup, the operational launch of autonomous taxis, and the industrialization of a humanoid robot. Tesla no longer makes luxury cars; Tesla is becoming a robotics company.

Positively Surprising Financial Results

Q4 Exceeds Analysts’ Expectations

The numbers speak for themselves: Tesla generated $24.901 billion in revenue in Q4, exceeding the $24.74 billion expected by analysts. It’s a pleasant surprise in a rather tense automotive environment.

But the most impressive thing is the non-GAAP EPS of $0.50, which significantly beats the consensus of $0.45. Yes, GAAP EPS is down 38% to $0.24, but this is mainly due to an investment in xAI of approximately $2 billion. An exceptional charge that masks the true operational performance.

Q4 GAAP net income stands at $840 million. What impresses me most is that Tesla manages to beat expectations despite a difficult automotive environment, with increasingly fierce electric competition.

If you want to follow Tesla’s stock price directly from your screen, this is the ideal time to keep an eye on the stock’s performance after these announcements.

2025, A Record Year Despite Challenges

For the full year, Tesla reports revenues of $94.827 billion. The automotive division accounts for $69.526 billion, but what really strikes me is the rise of energy storage: $12.771 billion.

Tesla produced 1,654,667 vehicles in 2025 and delivered 1,636,129. We’re talking about 1.6 million vehicles delivered, which remains a solid performance even if growth is slowing.

But the real star of 2025 is the Energy division: 46.7 GWh deployed over the year, including 14.2 GWh in Q4 alone. A surge that shows Tesla’s diversification is truly starting to pay off. Annual net income reached $3.794 billion.

Goodbye Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X, the Pioneering Legacy Ends

A Strategic Decision That Sparks Debate

The announcement came like a bombshell: production halt for the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X starting next quarter, Q1 2026. Elon Musk justifies this decision by a concentration of resources on projects with higher volume potential.

It’s true that the sales volumes of these models had become negligible compared to the Model 3 and Model Y. But it still feels significant. These vehicles established Tesla as a credible premium manufacturer against German competitors.

I admit it affects me, the Tesla Model S Plaid, exceeding 1,000 horsepower, proved to the world that an electric car could be desirable, high-performing, and technological. It was the vehicle that changed the public’s perception of Tesla.

Fremont Factory Repurposed for Optimus

But Tesla never does things by halves. The production line that manufactured the S and X at the Fremont factory will be entirely repurposed to produce the Optimus robot.

And the announced goal is dizzying: a line capable of producing 1 million units. One million humanoid robots is unprecedented in the robotics industry. We’re moving from premium mobility technology to mass robotics technology.

It’s symbolic: Tesla is abandoning its first loves to embrace a radically different future. The question is: is the market ready for a million Optimus units?

Robotaxi Becomes Tesla’s Absolute Priority

And that’s where it gets really interesting. Tesla launched its robotaxi service in Austin completely supervisor-less. No safety driver in the vehicle, no follow car. It’s fully operational autonomous.

The signal is strong: we’re moving from the test phase to real commercial operation. And the ambitions are immense: to deploy unsupervised FSD in 25% to 50% of the United States by the end of 2026.

But beware, the craziest part is yet to come. Elon Musk states that Cybercab production will exceed that of all other Tesla vehicles combined. If this prediction comes true, we’re talking about a total overhaul of Tesla’s business model.

If Tesla pulls off this bet, we’re talking about a total revolution in urban transport. Gone are personal cars that remain parked 95% of the time, making way for autonomous fleets in permanent circulation. The implications for current owners are massive: your Tesla could become a revenue-generating asset when you’re not using it.

Optimus 3 and Tom Zhu: Signals of a Profound Transformation

Optimus 3 Arrives in 3 Months

Tesla announces the unveiling of Optimus 3 in approximately 3 months, around April-May 2026. We’re already at generation 3, which shows an impressive development speed. A new model every 6-8 months, that’s pure Tesla pace.

This announcement perfectly coincides with the repurposing of the Fremont production line. The potential applications are enormous: first in Tesla factories to replace repetitive tasks, then in the consumer market.

Optimus’s development speed is impressive; we’re talking about a new model every 6-8 months. Tesla applies the same rapid iterative method to humanoid robotics as it does to its vehicles.

Tom Zhu Massively Rewarded

Another strong signal: Tom Zhu received 520,021 stock options according to a SEC Form 4 filing on January 13, 2026. With an exercise price of $435.80 and a current price around $450, we’re talking about a potential value exceeding $230 million.

These options are locked for 5 years, until March 5, 2031. It’s a clear message: Tesla is betting everything on its operational executive to successfully carry out this radical transformation. Tom Zhu has proven his effectiveness in international expansion and cost optimization.

This reward shows that Tesla is betting everything on the perfect execution of its transformation. When changing professions (from car manufacturer to robotics company), you need the best to lead the operation.

A Radical Shift Towards Robotics and Autonomy

Tesla is definitively closing a chapter, that of classic premium vehicles, to open two new ones simultaneously: total autonomy and humanoid robotics. It’s a strategic shift of incredible audacity.

The bet is clear: to become a robotics and AI company as much as a car manufacturer. With the future $25,000 Tesla compact car also in the pipeline, the product strategy is taking shape: volume on affordable and autonomous vehicles, abandonment of traditional premium.

Will Tesla succeed in this radical shift? Frankly, no one can predict it with certainty. But one thing is certain: Elon Musk and his team never do things by halves. The next quarters will be decisive, especially with the latest official announcements confirming the explosion of the autonomous taxi business.

I will follow this very closely and keep you updated on developments. One thing is certain: Tesla in 2026 will no longer resemble the Tesla we knew. Welcome to the era of mass robotics.