Tesla is finally putting its Full Self-Driving technology to the test where it should theoretically excel - in The Boring Company's controlled underground tunnels beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. After four years of human-driven operations, the partnership marks a crucial real-world validation attempt for both companies' autonomous ambitions.
The Boring Company is finally putting Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology through its paces in what should be the perfect testing ground - the controlled underground tunnels of Las Vegas. But even in this seemingly ideal environment, the results reveal just how complex autonomous driving remains.
Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, confirmed to Fortune that testing has been quietly underway for several months. The trials involve Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD (Supervised) navigating the tunnel system with safety drivers ready to intervene - and they're still doing so "periodically," Hill revealed.
This marks a significant milestone for both companies. The Boring Company's Las Vegas Convention Center Loop has operated since 2021 with exclusively human drivers, despite early promises of autonomous operations. The tunnel system currently connects the convention center to nearby hotels through a 1.7-mile network that was initially envisioned as a showcase for seamless autonomous transport.
[embedded image: Tesla vehicle navigating Boring Company tunnel with characteristic LED lighting]
The testing comes as Tesla pushes aggressively into autonomous services elsewhere. The company recently launched limited robotaxi pilots in Austin and San Francisco, with CEO Elon Musk repeatedly claiming the technology is ready for widespread deployment. Yet the Boring Company trials suggest even controlled environments present unexpected hurdles.
Hill pointed to specific technical challenges that have emerged during testing. The tunnel's distinctive colorful LED lighting and semi-smooth rock walls create visual conditions that confuse the AI system. "The cars find spots that are difficult for them," Hill explained, highlighting how even purposefully designed infrastructure can trip up autonomous systems.
The revelation underscores broader questions about Tesla's FSD readiness. If the system struggles in a controlled tunnel with predictable lighting, fixed routes, and minimal traffic variables, it raises concerns about performance in complex urban environments. The Boring Company tunnels eliminate most traditional driving challenges - no weather, pedestrians, intersections, or oncoming traffic.
