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.
