Tesla Model S and Model X: Farewell Sales Surge

Tesla Registrations in the US: Overall Total Stable, but Major Shifts

Tesla recorded a total of 267,497 new registrations across all models in the US in the first half of 2026. That is only slightly lower than in the same period last year (271,026), representing a decline of around 1.3%. At first glance, that may seem unremarkable, but a lot is happening beneath the surface.

The latest registration data shows that while some models are posting strong gains, others are declining significantly. The final sales surge for the two long-standing flagship models at the top of the lineup is particularly striking.

Model S and Model X: “Farewell” Effect Drives Demand

From January to June 2026, the Tesla Model S recorded 6,876 registrations, an increase of 64% year over year (4,187). The Tesla Model X also rose sharply: 10,575 registrations represent an increase of 62% compared with a year earlier (6,521).

The most likely driver is the end of production for both models in summer 2026. When a vehicle is discontinued, there is often one final spike in demand as prospective buyers seek to secure the “original” before it disappears from the market for good. That effect appears to be fully taking hold here.

Tesla also marked the models’ farewell with a limited “Signature Series”: 250 Model S units and 100 Model X units. Special editions like these appeal to collectors and fans and can further accelerate sales during the final phase.

The Model Y Is Becoming Even More Important

Alongside the farewell boost for the flagships, the Tesla Model Y posted a strong first half. Registrations climbed to 184,688, up from 150,367 in the same period last year. That represents an increase of 23%.

This also makes clear just how heavily Tesla’s US performance now depends on the Model Y. According to the data, this single model accounted for almost 70% of all Tesla registrations in the first half of 2026. In practical terms, Tesla’s sales volume is increasingly reliant on one highly efficient, broadly positioned vehicle that appeals to many groups of buyers.

Model 3 and Cybertruck: Moving in the Opposite Direction

Not every Tesla model is benefiting. The Tesla Model 3 fell to 56,885 registrations in the first half of 2026, putting it more than 41% below the previous year’s figure (97,120). The registration data itself does not explain the reasons, but possible factors include the usual considerations such as model mix, product availability and pricing, as well as postponed purchasing decisions.

The Cybertruck also continued its downward trend: 8,473 registrations compared with 12,831 in the same period last year, a decline of around 34%. At the same time, its US price was recently increased by the equivalent of around 4,600 euros, which could create additional headwinds in a weaker demand environment.

What Does This Mean for Europe and the DACH Region?

The figures relate to the US and cannot be applied directly to Germany, Austria and Switzerland—the DACH region. Nevertheless, the pattern is interesting: a discontinued model can benefit significantly in the short term, while sales volume becomes increasingly concentrated on bestsellers.

For buyers in the DACH region, the trend toward a “Model Y-centric” lineup is particularly relevant because it is also visible in these markets. In this context, it is worth looking at the 2026 Western European EV ranking, with the Model Y in first place, which assesses the model’s role in the European market.

Key Registration Figures at a Glance

Overall, Tesla’s total US sales volume remains almost stable, but demand is shifting significantly: away from the Model 3 and Cybertruck and toward the Model Y, as well as the final sell-off of the Model S and Model X.