13:27 25-01-2026

Tesla Model S makes first autonomous cross-country drive in 2024

The 2024 Tesla Model S has completed the first-ever cross-country drive across the United States without any human intervention. The team covered 4,958 kilometers in 58 hours without touching the controls, despite challenging weather conditions.

Details of the Record Run

The route stretched from Los Angeles to New York, effectively realizing a demonstration Tesla promised back in 2017 but never delivered. The drive encountered snowfalls, which reduced battery efficiency and brought the average speed down to 102 km/h. The team spent over 10 hours charging, highlighting how long-distance electric vehicle travel depends on infrastructure. Despite the weather limitations, the Full Self-Driving system completed the entire journey without human input.

Unexpected Episodes, FSD Challenges, and Autonomy Status

The report notes unusual situations, including a forced 90-minute detour after one participant stepped out of the car. The team deliberately avoided taking control, letting FSD adjust its path independently. This underscores the current state of the system, which remains officially at Level 2 and requires constant driver supervision. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to refine FSD, though the system is still under regulatory scrutiny and faces criticism.

FSD Prospects and Tesla's Plans

Following this record drive, Tesla is emphasizing the development of fully autonomous technology, primarily intended for the Cybercab robotaxi. Production of this platform is slated to begin in April 2026, but the company's history shows timelines often shift.