Tesla Tears Down Model S/X Lines for Optimus Production

Tesla has begun a major transition at its Fremont facility, winding down the long-running Model S and Model X assembly lines to clear space for Optimus humanoid robot production. The physical conversion from luxury EV manufacturing to robotics is underway and progressing quickly.

The official Tesla Manufacturing account (@gigafactories) on X posted a time‑lapse of the changeover, stating, “End of an era: Decommissioning the original Model S & X assembly line in just 46 days.” The footage shows crews removing large robotic arms, clearing structural foundations, and repouring a clean concrete floor. Tesla’s AI chief, Ashok Elluswamy, also commented on the milestone, adding, “Big shoes to fill, but I’m confident Optimus will not disappoint!!”

End of an era: Decommissioning the original Model S & X assembly line in just 46 days pic.twitter.com/kGEdfhl62h

— Tesla Manufacturing (@gigafactories) July 10, 2026

Out With the Flagships, In With the Robots

The decision to dismantle the lines follows Tesla’s announcement during its Q4 2025 earnings call that it would end Model S/X production to make room for initial Optimus production at Fremont. Model S/X orders were officially closed at the end of the first quarter. As a send‑off, the Model S and Model X received a final encore with a limited‑run Signature Edition sold exclusively via invite‑only access.

Although Tesla has said Optimus will be manufactured more like a modern car than a smartphone due to its complexity, it cannot use the same assembly lines as the Model S and Model X. With the old automotive equipment removed, the area is being prepared for a large‑scale robotics operation. Fremont is expected to produce 1 million Optimus robot units per year once the line fully ramps, and planning is underway for production of up to 10 million units per year at Gigafactory Texas. With the floor cleared, Tesla is expected to unveil its production‑ready Optimus Gen 3 prototype sometime soon.

Inside the Modular Optimus Line

Building a humanoid robot production line differs substantially from assembling a car. In a recent interview, Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy said Tesla’s first official Optimus production line has successfully landed at the Fremont factory, and crews have begun installing the hardware.

Rather than a long, static conveyor, the new line uses a fully modular layout so engineers can adapt workcells as the robot and its assembly methods evolve. The plan is to scale to dozens of sub‑lines. For now, the manufacturing equipment is being built and validated in Germany, involving roughly 40 distinct sub‑lines before shipment to Fremont.