Full Breakdown
Tesla Owner Achieves Historic Fully Autonomous Coast-to-Coast Drive
1/1/2026, 10:40:10 PM
Milestone Achievement in Autonomous Driving
David Moss, a Tesla owner from Tacoma, Washington, has completed the first fully autonomous coast-to-coast drive across the United States, marking a significant milestone in automotive technology. Moss announced his achievement in a viral post on X, stating, “I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed the world’s first USA coast to coast fully autonomous drive!” His journey spanned 2,732.4 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, taking just two days and 20 hours, and traversing 24 states.
Equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 14.2.1.25, Moss reported zero disengagements throughout the trip, including during parking at Tesla Superchargers. He detailed his route and charging stops, noting that he completed over 10,638.8 miles using the FSD software without taking control of the vehicle. This achievement highlights the advancements in Tesla's autonomous driving technology, which aims to provide smoother and more human-like driving experiences.
Community and Industry Reactions
The Tesla community has responded positively to Moss's accomplishment, with many expressing excitement over the implications for the future of autonomous driving. One Tesla shareholder remarked, “We are now living in an era where crossing the American continent by autonomous driving is possible.” Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, also acknowledged the achievement by reposting Moss's announcement with the comment, “cool.” This event coincides with the 122nd anniversary of the first automobile crossing of the U.S. by Horatio Jackson and Sewall Crocker, who completed their journey in 63 days.
Official Statements & Responses
Elon Musk has been a vocal proponent of autonomous driving technology, recently launching a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using modified Model Y vehicles equipped with FSD. This service has been tested without safety monitors in the front seat, indicating Tesla's commitment to advancing driverless technology.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Moss's journey, there are ongoing concerns regarding the safety and reliability of fully autonomous vehicles. Critics argue that while advancements are being made, the technology still requires supervision and may not be ready for widespread adoption without further testing and regulatory oversight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Moss's achievement has been celebrated, there are varying opinions on the readiness of fully autonomous vehicles for public use. Some experts emphasize the need for more comprehensive data on safety and performance before fully endorsing such technology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed the world’s first USA coast to coast fully autonomous drive!” — David Moss, Tesla Owner
- “We are now living in an era where crossing the American continent by autonomous driving is possible,” — Tesla Shareholder
- “cool.” — Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla
This historic drive not only showcases the capabilities of Tesla's autonomous technology but also raises important discussions about the future of transportation and the role of regulation in the development of such innovations.
