Tesla Japan has announced on X that it will stop accepting new Model S and Model X orders after March 31, 2025. This follows similar moves in other markets, including the recent halt in the Middle East.
In 2023, Tesla also discontinued Model S and X orders in the UK and Australia due to the lack of a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) variant. While RHD versions were previously available, Tesla eventually phased them out, leading to the suspension of orders in these regions.
Refresh Likely Inbound
Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, recently confirmed that the company is working on a refresh for the Model S and Model X. This likely explains the upcoming stop-sale in Japan—a key market for these models—as production of the current variants may soon come to an end.
Unlike the Model 3 and Model Y, which are built at multiple facilities, the Model S and Model X are exclusively produced at Tesla’s Fremont factory and shipped overseas. Given the expected scope of the refresh, changes to the production line are likely required.
48V and Steer-By-Wire
One of the biggest innovations expected in the refreshed Model S and Model X is Tesla’s ability to produce both right-hand-drive (RHD) and left-hand-drive (LHD) variants. This will make the vehicles more accessible in global markets where RHD is required.
Key to this flexibility is the introduction of Steer-by-Wire, which eliminates the need for separate mechanical linkages for LHD and RHD models. This dramatically reduces complexity, allowing Tesla to build both variants on a single assembly line. Since Steer-by-Wire essentially relies on a 48V architecture for proper force feedback and backup power, we can also expect Tesla’s flagship models to adopt 48V electrical systems—bringing over key features from the Cybertruck.
Release Date
This sales halt is likely temporary as Tesla prepares for refreshed models with RHD support later this year. While we could have speculated that Tesla may phase out the Model S and Model X, Lars Moravy recently confirmed that these models aren’t going anywhere. They’re also unlikely to become exclusive to North America. The most likely scenario is that Tesla is focused on using the current inventory in North America, where selling these vehicles is more cost-effective, before resuming international sales once the refreshed models are ready.
We may also see similar pauses in other regions as Tesla manages the transition between the end of current production and the launch of the updated models.
This shift is more likely toward the end of the year, as Tesla’s primary focus in Q2 2025 is launching its more affordable vehicle.
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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.
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