Stellantis is the latest automaker to launch a fully hands-free highway driving system. Named AutoDrive 1.0, it allows for hands-off-the-wheel, eyes-on-the-road driving on certain highways, similar to GM’s Super Cruise system and Ford’s BlueCruise system.
However, it also allows for SAE Level 3 autonomy under certain conditions. At speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), Stellantis claims you can safely take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. You still can’t take a nap while driving; the driver still must be seated, belted, and “ready to assume control when prompted.”
“Helping drivers make the best use of their time is a priority,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable.”
Similarly to Super Cruise, an AutoDrive-equipped vehicle will let the driver know when the conditions are right to activate the autonomous features. The driver then must push a physical button for AutoDrive to take over. Stellantis even claims AutoDrive works well at night and in “challenging weather conditions.” Stellantis also says the system is engineered to feel “smooth, predictable, and human-like in real-world conditions.”
Stellantis has not specified which vehicles will get this feature, but the press release images all show a Jeep Wagoneer S so that electric crossover will presumably be one of the first. It rides on the STLA Large platform shared with the newest generation of the Dodge Charger, so that’s another possible candidate for the new autonomous system.
If Stellantis follows the path that GM and Ford took with Super Cruise and BlueCruise, it will introduce its hands-free system in luxury models (Jeep Grand Wagoneer, next-gen Alfa Romeo models), full-size trucks (Ram 1500), and EVs like the ones we mentioned. It’s safe to assume it will gradually trickle down to more affordable models, as Super Cruise did with the Chevy Bolt EUV and Chevy Equinox EV.
SAE Level 3 autonomy in production cars from mainstream brands is a big step forward for driving autonomy. Stellantis says AutoDrive is an “evolving platform” and will have eyes-off driving at speeds up to 59 mph and “enhanced off-road automation” in the future.
Comments
Late to the party….
True, but glad to see them finally get there. All ships rise with the sea.
Them being late got them to be the first level 3 system it seems, not sure anyone else actually has that yet, all others have to watch the road as far as I can tell.
Don’t want it. Don’t need it. Would never use it. I’m the driver.
Exactly! How does any on this enhance the “driving” experience?
Sheesh, so many negative nelly’s… I’d gladly sit back and relax on hours-long highway drives or aggravating bumper-to-bumper Chicago rush our traffic during my commute. The reality is, less than 1% of my driving involves a pleasurable drive down a twisty rural highway. I’ve got a classic car and a boat in my garage for the fun days, the rest of the time I just need to get where I’m going…
Buick City, there is no way Auto Drive, Super Cruise or Blue Cruise are going to work in bumper to bumper traffic. As far as Auto Drive how many roads in the US can you drive where the speed limit 35-40 MPH that doesn’t have stop lights or stop signs on them. I have Super Cruise, it works on some roads that are 40-45 MPH for a short time, in my experience, it turns of way before you even see a stop light. As far as Super Cruise on highways and interstates it’s awesome.
Just what we need.
I always thought the proper place to sit back and close your eyes was in your recliner in front of the idiot box. That is what my father affectionately called the TV.
They’ll all have to learn the hard way.
The Liability Attorneys are salivating .
ELECTRO24,
If the lawmakers make it mandatory on vehicles, it will not only raise the price of vehicles, it will have to be in working order to pass a vehicle inspection. If the system fails you will have to pay out of your own pocket to fix it, or your vehicle will fail the inspection.
When I first started driving you would get a ticket if you didn’t have your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
How times have changed.
Th day is coming where there will be no windows, just a box with seats. Probably facing each other so you will have to engage with everyone else in the “car” whether you want to or not!
Rusty, Yikes, that should cause a lot of divorces.
If it’s made by Stelantis, don’t buy it. Any of their products.
Karrpilot,
Why ?
Are there products junk. Have you had problems with them. Don’t tease us. Tell us more.