Electric vehicles come fully loaded with lots of drive-enhancing tech, and one desirable feature that buyers look for is autopilot. Autonomous driving is an alluring element with futuristic appeal, but do all EVs have it?
Presently, no, not all EVs are cars with autopilot, but here we explore what ones on the market do have semi self-driving and driving assist features.
What is electric vehicle autopilot?
The thought of self-driving cars may seem a thing of the future, but technology advancement has almost made it a reality. In terms of EVs, autopilot means adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
While the car won’t drive itself fully, many EVs can steer, accelerate and brake automatically within their lanes. The aim of autopilot, of course, is to ease the driver’s experience by taking control of certain driving responsibilities.
The automobile industry has its own scale to classify the levels of car automation.
Level 0 No automation
Level 1 Semi-automated systems, like cruise control.
Level 2 Semi-automated systems, like steering, speed, and braking.
Level 3 Primary driving functions are automated under some conditions.
Level 4 Primary driving functions are automated under most conditions.
Level 5 Primary driving functions are automated under all conditions.
What electric vehicle has autopilot?
As one would expect, Tesla is leading the way with its own branded Autopilot mode. All models (Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y) come with Autopilot hardware as standard, however it does not take over driving completely and drivers will need to be always alert and in control of the EV. Full-driving capabilities are expected to be added to the Autopilot hardware eventually through software updates.
Tesla’s Autopilot function is supported by eight cameras and sensors. Its handy Navigate feature suggests lane changes to optimise your route, making real-time adjustments so you don’t get stuck behind slow traffic and automatically steers your car toward highway interchanges and exits based on your destination.
Do any other EVs come with autopilot?
Many EV models on the Australian market come with intuitive driving assistance technology. While none fully self-drive, they’re around Level 3 where primary driving functions are automated under some conditions.
Jaguar I-PACE
Jaguar’s I-PACE comes with its InControl mode that offers adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, emergency braking, blind spot assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition and rear collision monitor.
Hyundai IONIQ
The IONIQ is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies. This includes forward collision avoidance assist, smart Stop&Go cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot collision warning.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf comes with intelligent cruise control, emergency braking and lane-departure warning.
Summary
- Level 5 car automation is still a thing of the future, though all Teslas come with the hardware to enable such features eventually by downloading software.
- Many EVs on the Australian market come with Level 3 driving assistance, meaning adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping help.
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Sources
https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/autopilot
https://www.autopilotreview.com/cars-with-autopilot-self-driving/
https://www.jaguar.com.au/incontrol/incontrol/driver-assistance/index.html
