Tesla Shows Rapid Teardown of Model S and X Lines, Paving Way for Optimus at Fremont
The decommissioning cleared the flagship sedan and SUV assembly line in 46 days to make room for humanoid robot production.
Tesla shared a striking video showcasing the decommissioning of the original Model S and Model X assembly line at its Fremont Factory in Northern California, completed in just 46 days.
What Happened
The teardown involved heavy machinery dismantling concrete pits, removing robotic arms and conveyors, and clearing the space for new production. The decision to retire the flagship sedan and SUV lines originated during Tesla's Q4 2025 Earnings Call in late January 2026, when CEO Elon Musk announced that production would wind down by the end of Q2 2026, describing it as an 'honorable discharge.' Custom orders ceased around early April 2026, with final vehicles rolling off the line in early May. A special signature delivery ceremony on May 20 marked the emotional close for these vehicles, which had defined Tesla's early success and luxury EV segment since the Model S launch in 2012.
Why It Matters
The decommissioning clears the way for Tesla to repurpose valuable factory floor space for high-volume production of its Optimus humanoid robot. Musk has indicated that the Fremont S/X line would be replaced by a dedicated Optimus manufacturing line targeting one million units per year. Production of Optimus Gen 3 is already underway in limited form at Fremont, with full-scale output on the converted line expected to begin in late July or August. This move aligns with Tesla's broader strategic shift from traditional vehicle manufacturing toward robotics and artificial intelligence.
The Bottom Line
Tesla completed the teardown of its original Model S and X assembly line in 46 days, making room for Optimus production at Fremont. The company is targeting rapid scaling of the humanoid robot, with ambitions pointing toward tens or hundreds of thousands of units annually by end of 2026.
