The Tesla Model S went into production in 2012.
Tesla began series manufacture at its Fremont Factory in June 2012, making the Model S the company’s second production vehicle after the Roadster. The first production car was publicly shown in Fremont on June 22, 2012, to employees, selected customers, and members of the press.
The Model S project began under the codename “WhiteStar” around 2007. Its production design was created by Franz von Holzhausen after Henrik Fisker’s brief involvement. Tesla had originally considered other factory locations before acquiring the former NUMMI facility in Fremont, California, where General Motors and Toyota had previously built vehicles.
A common mix-up is confusing the production date with the model year. The Model S was marketed primarily as a 2013 model, but manufacturing and initial deliveries began during 2012. Tesla delivered 2,650 Model S cars by the end of that first production year.