The end of an era, as Model S and Model X end production
This week, Elon casually dropped in the earnings call that the production of Model S and Model X at the Fremont factory in California will end at the end of Q2, 2026. Although probably not a huge surprise to most people, since neither car has received much love from Tesla in the last few years, these are also the cars that made the Model 3, Model Y, and everything going forward possible. So we wanted to take a moment to remember our Model S and Model X.
Our first test drive
We flew – flew! – to Miami in July of 2012 to test drive a Model S. At the time, Tesla had no presence in Texas, so that was our nearest test drive location. It was our first ever experience in an EV, let alone a Tesla, so back then, and even now, the acceleration was wild. It was just a short test drive around some city streets and a parking lot, but it was amazing and it sealed the deal for us. We put a reservation down for a Model S that was to be delivered in February of 2013.
The long wait
The next seven months were probably the longest seven months of our lives. That was the time when Tesla was incredibly niche. There was one forum, the Tesla Motors Club Forum, where everything was obsessed over. It was a very tight community and it was a fun time as we all anticipated the delivery of our Model S's. To kill some more time, I renovated one of our garages into essentially a shrine to Tesla. The extremely eagle-eyed amongst you might spot that RoboMow controller at the back of the garage in the "before" photo – we were doing robotics back then, too!
Delivery day
We took delivery on February 8th, 2013, VIN 04287. The Dallas Service Center back then was small, with a tiny parking lot. The drive back was probably the scariest drive of my life. Driving a brand new car with essentially a brand new technology, on at the time, some of the worst roads in Dallas – there was so much construction going on. Everyone around me was gawking at the car and driving erratically, and I was just so glad to get home in one piece.
In closing…
We kept that car for three years, to be replaced by – drum roll – a Model S P85D. Since then, we've owned all of the Tesla's, some several times over, but that first Model S will always have a special place in our hearts. It really did change the direction of our lives. It created Abstract Ocean the company, and we've had so many fun times in both that Model S and all of them since 💖.
The writing has been on the wall for the Model S and Model X for the past few years. Tesla really hasn't invested much, other than a few light refreshes at best. It's a shame; I think there's a place for halo products. The new Roadster is obviously the ultimate halo, but if and when we'll ever see that, who knows? There's a market for the Model S and Model X – they just need to be properly updated, with 48V architecture, steer-by-wire, etc. But we all know that Tesla's future is now pinned on autonomy and robotics, and I hope that works out.
2 comments on this article
After 31 (used only) Teslas a BMW Saab, Mercedes, Porsche Fanatic I have to say , until the Chinese can get their BYD and other fine EVs I to this country I’m still going to be Teslas #1 fan. I now drive the 2018 S P100D. As an always Porsche buyer, driver, owner I would not want any Internal Combustion, Gas powered cars any more. Nor only for the sake of the Planet but to breathe in L. A. where we live I need to have an EV evermore.
Bought and drove Model S 60, 75, 85, P85, 90D, P100d and 4 Model 3s
I still think it would be nice to have O.S. Handles, a Low gear option ( for better deceleration Recharging and some cornering capabilities for driving fun. P. S. taking away the powee opening Sunroof in favor of a fixed one is a chickening out of building Teslas with some QC.
What a nice trip down memory lane. I enjoyed reading your experience with the Model S and your very early history with the company. I couldn’t agree more with all of your points. BMW sells few 7 Series; same with Mercedes and the S Class. But people who know cars know those model lines and know how aspirational and impressive they are. Tesla never should’ve let the model S and X die on the vine. We still love our 2022 Model 3, but as a car enthusiast it’s difficult to be excited about Tesla the company anymore.
Join the discussion