Elon Musk is at it again, and this time, he’s captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and automotive fans alike. Tesla recently released a 30-minute video that claims to showcase a groundbreaking achievement—the first fully autonomous delivery of a Tesla Model Y from the factory to a customer’s home, all without a human inside or remote control. Posted on June 28, this video aims to electrify fans and ignite discussion about the future of transportation.
In a bold tweet on June 27, Musk proclaimed, “The first fully autonomous delivery of a Tesla Model Y from factory to a customer home across town, including highways, was just completed a day ahead of schedule!” This assertion suggests that Tesla is making significant strides in proving its self-driving capabilities.
Imagine the scene: a Model Y, the world’s best-selling vehicle, expertly navigating various traffic scenarios—from parking lots to bustling city streets—all while stopping for pedestrians and obeying traffic signals. The destination? A delighted owner’s residence, situated about 30 minutes from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin.
Come hang out with us & Model Y for 30 mins
Full drive in 1x speed below https://t.co/lcClc85Hsn pic.twitter.com/3Ki7StYhsA
— Tesla (@Tesla) June 28, 2025
Musk further emphasized, “There were no people in the car at all and no remote operators in control at any point. FULLY autonomous!” He added, “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fully autonomous drive with no people in the car or remotely operating the car on a public highway.”
There were no people in the car at all and no remote operators in control at any point. FULLY autonomous!
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fully autonomous drive with no people in the car or remotely operating the car on a public highway.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 27, 2025
Reactions from fans on social media were overwhelmingly positive. One user expressed, “Thank you for changing the world and how we function!” Another remarked, “Fantastic to see this happening and just shy of the 5th anniversary of the start of construction of Giga Texas! Historic!”
This video paints an exciting picture of the future, but let’s remember that Tesla has a history of dramatic claims about its self-driving technology. To grasp what’s really happening, it’s essential to understand the race for true autonomy—a quest worth billions.
The Tech Wars: Cameras vs. Lasers
In the battle for self-driving supremacy, two contrasting strategies are emerging.
On one side, Tesla leans heavily on its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system, which utilizes an array of cameras and AI technology known as “Tesla Vision.” Tesla advocates that a vehicle can drive effectively with cameras alone, similar to how humans rely on their eyes. This approach not only cuts down on costs but also aims for accessibility in technology.
Conversely, companies like Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), take a different route. Waymo’s system employs cameras and radar but primarily depends on LiDAR technology. By emitting millions of laser signals to create a detailed 3D representation of surroundings, it ensures vehicles can perceive their environment with remarkable precision—day or night. Although more costly, many experts argue that LiDAR offers a more reliable and comprehensive system.
The stakes are enormous: the first company to achieve Level 5 autonomy—where a vehicle can drive anywhere, anytime, without human intervention—will not only lead in the auto industry but also transform sectors like logistics and urban transportation.
Reality Check: Deconstructing the Hype
Now, let’s revisit Tesla’s video. While the Model Y indeed adeptly tackles a range of driving challenges, Musk’s claims of being the first to showcase fully autonomous driving should be approached with skepticism. Just days prior on June 22, Tesla had rolled out a limited robotaxi service in Austin, which involved only a select few vehicles and riders under careful supervision. Each car still had a human present in the passenger seat, restricted to a pre-defined area.
Moreover, Musk’s assertions about providing the “first fully autonomous drive… on a public highway” contradict existing services. Waymo has successfully offered driverless rides on highways to its employees in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—demonstrating capabilities Tesla is still working to validate. The key distinction? Waymo has invested years in data collection and safety testing with its LiDAR-based fleet, while Tesla appears to be rapidly trying to reshape public perception of its leadership.
Our Take: A Breakthrough or a Carefully Choreographed Stunt?
This Tesla video undoubtedly serves as a public relations success. However, with Musk’s track record in mind, a critical viewpoint is warranted. The likelihood that this particular route was selectively chosen and pre-tested under optimal conditions is high, designed to guarantee a successful demonstration for this showcase. True autonomy should be assessed by a vehicle’s ability to navigate countless unpredictable situations—safely and efficiently—over extensive distances.
A pressing question looms: if Tesla’s system is genuinely “fully autonomous,” why do its commercial robotaxis still require a human supervisor?
As a visionary marketer, Musk has created a compelling narrative, offering a glimpse into a future that feels close at hand. Yet, as we’ve seen repeatedly, the distance between a promotional video and the everyday reality can be significant. Until these self-driving cars can navigate urban environments without human oversight, this so-called “historic” first remains more of an impressive marketing moment than a genuine technological leap.
What are the potential risks associated with fully autonomous driving technology? The conversation often circles around safety concerns, regulatory challenges, and ethical dilemmas surrounding decision-making algorithms.
Could autonomous vehicles reduce traffic accidents significantly? Many believe that with improved technology, the likelihood of human error—which accounts for a high percentage of accidents—would be drastically lowered, leading to safer roads.
When can we expect widespread adoption of self-driving cars? While forecasts vary, industry experts anticipate that we could see significant integration in urban areas within the next decade, particularly if technological and regulatory hurdles are efficiently addressed.
In conclusion, while exciting developments are on the horizon, it’s essential to approach claims like these with cautious optimism. For more insights and updates about technological advancements in the auto industry, continue exploring the rich resources available at Moyens I/O.