18:07 02-02-2026

Tesla shifts to autonomous cars, only Roadster remains human-driven

Tesla is shifting its strategy, effectively halting development of new human-driven car models. The only exception will be the Roadster, which is scheduled to debut in production form in spring 2026. All other future projects will move into the autonomous platform category.

Betting on Fully Autonomous Transport

Elon Musk stated that in the future, only about one percent of all Tesla mileage will be driven by humans. The rest will fall under the responsibility of the autonomous FSD version operating without driver supervision. This explains why the company is discontinuing traditional car development, seeing further growth in robotaxis and transportation-as-a-service offerings.

The Sole New "Driven" Tesla

The long-awaited Roadster, first shown as a concept back in 2017, will be the last new Tesla model equipped with a steering wheel and pedals. Musk promises to unveil the production version in April 2026. The rest of the lineup will transition to the autonomous segment, with Model S and Model X phased out of production by mid-2026, while Model 3 and Model Y will receive updates focused on driverless technology.

Autonomous Models Tesla is Preparing

Production of the Cybercab, a two-seat driverless robotaxi without controls, will begin in April 2026. This will be followed by larger autonomous platforms, including a 20-seat Robovan. Tesla emphasizes that the autonomous transport market will provide an audience five to ten times larger than its current one. Only a simplified global lineup of Model 3/Y Standard will remain as accessible models, but even these will increasingly prioritize autonomous operation with each update.

Overall, Tesla's strategic pivot reflects a global shift from consumer automotive manufacturing to a service-based model of autonomous transportation. The Roadster will symbolically conclude the era when Tesla still built cars for drivers, while subsequent projects will fully transition the brand into an autonomous future.