Tesla to Open-Source Software and Design of Discontinued Model S and Model X
Tesla plans to open-source the software and design of its discontinued Model S and Model X, following a similar move with the original Roadster. The company released all Roadster design, theory, and research documents in 2023. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the next open-source products but did not specify scope. Both models ceased production at the Fremont facility, which now builds Optimus robots.
Tesla intends to open-source the software and design of its discontinued Model S and Model X vehicles. This follows the company's 2023 release of the complete design, theory, research, and development documentation for the original Roadster on its service website, which included details such as suspension geometry, battery cooling system layout, and the software used in the vehicle's microcontrollers.
The Roadster's public archive contains complete service and parts manuals, along with circuit diagrams, connector information, and documents explaining the vehicle's operating principles and battery technology. The archive also covers research and development materials for three key electric vehicle systems: the battery monitoring board, the vehicle display or infotainment system, and the climate control controller. These files include schematics, component information, CAD files, and other technical resources intended for reference by owners, independent repair shops, engineers, and enthusiasts.
It is worth noting that the research and development documents differ from the service documentation of the final production vehicle. Even so, the information provides a foundation for long-term technical maintenance and engineering design. Elon Musk stated that the Model S and Model X will be the next open-source products, but the specific scope was not disclosed.
The Model S entered production in 2012, and the Model X followed in 2015. Both vehicles underwent multiple significant hardware upgrades and software updates over their lifespans. Production at the Fremont factory has now ceased, with the production lines repurposed to manufacture the Optimus humanoid robot.