--- title: "The Human Driver Just Became the Weakest Link: How a Tesla Drove Itself From LA to NYC" description: "Turns out sometimes Elon Musk's grandiose promises and timelines might come later than promised due to, not surprisingly, technical realities. That just might be the case with the promise from nearly a decade ago that a [Tesla would drive itself…" date: "2026-02-18" modified: "2026-02-18" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/podcast/the-human-driver-just-became-the-weakest-link-how-a-tesla-drove-itself-from-la-to-nyc" categories: - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Podcasts" - "Self-Driving Tech" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # The Human Driver Just Became the Weakest Link: How a Tesla Drove Itself From LA to NYC ![The Drivecast Ep. 4 Hero -- Self-Driving Tesla LA to NYC]() Turns out sometimes Elon Musk's grandiose promises and timelines might come later than promised due to, not surprisingly, technical realities. That just might be the case with the promise from nearly a decade ago that a [Tesla would drive itself from Los Angeles to New York](). In January, [*The Drive* exclusively reported that a Tesla Model S drove itself]() 3,081 miles from LA to NYC with zero accidents, zero human interventions, and zero (meaningful, though some hilarious) issues. It wasn't a stunt. The watershed moment marks a turning point for autonomous cars and the evolution of the Cannonball Run. The man behind the feat, [Alex Roy](), is infamous in the Cannonball Run community and deeply involved in the world of autonomous vehicles. *The Drive* editor Byron Hurd, who reported the record, and Roy are finally ready to talk. We dive into how the story itself came together and how exclusive, real-time reporting on top-secret record attempts works along with the record itself. Roy revealed how human errors cost hours, almost ruined the record, and how the entire attempt almost fell apart midway through the drive. We also get to hear about mishaps including leaving a man behind at a charging station, encountering a winter storm (while driving on all-season tires), and the [evolution of the Cannonball Run itself](). The looming question of what does the fact that a Tesla drove itself from LA to NYC mean for the future of self-driving cars, whether enthusiasts should be concerned about their ability to drive in the future, and what comes next all get laid out by Roy. *The Drivecast* is free, just like [Spyglass–*The Drive*‘s spy shot newsletter]()—because everyone should be an insider, and is available on both [Spotify]() and [Apple Podcasts](). Episodes of *The Drivecast* can always be listened to right here on *The Drive* via the embed above. Every episode of *The Drivecast* can be found via the Podcasts tab on the homepage menu bar. Pour a cup of coffee and give episode 4 of *The Drivecast* a listen on your platform of choice. Dig it? Leave us a five-star review as it helps get *The Drivecast* in front of more people. Feedback is encouraged by dropping us a line at *feedback@thedrive.com*. Pinky swear, we read every single email. *Got a topic idea you would like to hear on The Drivecast? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()