Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast Episode 557: Model S and X Custom Orders Have Ended
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Apr 5, 2026 Tesla stops new custom orders for Model S and X, signaling a big shift in the lineup. Q1 production and delivery figures are unpacked with model breakdowns. A new affordable Kia EV for North America is revealed. Discussion includes Optimus Gen 3 progress, Rivian and Volkswagen news, and a curious Australia showroom fire investigation.
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Model S and X Custom Orders Ended
- Tesla has closed custom orders for the Model S and Model X, leaving only inventory units and signaling an official sunsetting of those models.
- Elon Musk announced the end on X and promised a ceremonial send-off; Ryan notes the final Model S is slated for investor Steve Jurvetson, echoing the original founder-series handoff.
Optimus Gen 3 Walking But Not Demo Ready
- Optimus Gen 3 is ambulatory but not yet ready for public demo because it needs finishing touches, delaying a planned Q2 reveal.
- Elon posted that Optimus 3 is 'walking around' but requires more work; Ryan hopes for an autonomous demo with true hand dexterity.
Q1 Deliveries Show S and X Surge Before Sunsetting
- Tesla reported Q1 production of ~408,000 vehicles and deliveries over ~358,000, a 6.5% year-over-year delivery increase from Q1 2025.
- 'Other models' (S, X, Cybertruck) deliveries rose to ~16,130 in Q1, a 25% YoY jump and a 38% increase from Q4 2025, reflecting end-of-era order surges.