Stellantis puts its plans for cars with level 3 autonomy on hold. The company actually wanted to bring these vehicles to market several years ago.
Self-driving vehicles can be classified according to the Society of Automotive Engineers' J3016 'Levels of Driving Automation' standard. This standard distinguishes between several levels:
- SAE level 0 - no automation: All dynamic driving tasks are performed by the human driver.
- SAE level 1 - driving support: autonomous driving functions can provide support in some situations by actively steering or braking/accelerating for certain driving tasks. The driver remains responsible and in control of the vehicle and all other dynamic functions.
- SAE level 2 - partial driving automation: Autonomous driving functions can provide support in some situations by actively steering or braking/accelerating for specific dynamic driving tasks. The driver must pay attention and remain in control. He or she remains responsible for all other dynamic functions.
- SAE level 3 - conditional automation: The autonomous driving system performs all dynamic driving tasks for the driver under certain weather and road conditions. The driver must always be ready to intervene and actively take control of the vehicle if the autonomous driving system deems it necessary.
- SAE level 4 - high level of automation: when enabled, the autonomous driving system performs all dynamic driving tasks for the driver under certain weather and road conditions. The driver's presence or attention is not required.
- SAE level 5 - fully autonomous driving: When enabled, the autonomous driving system can perform all dynamic driving tasks in all weather and road conditions. Driver presence or attention is not required.
Scheduled for 2024
Stellantis announced its intention to bet on autonomous vehicles almost three years ago. It acquired aiMotive, among others, with the aim of developing software for autonomous driving. At the time, the group announced its intention to launch the first cars with level 3 autonomy on the market in 2024.
However, it did not get that far; for now, Stellantis does not offer vehicles with level 3 autonomy. It seems we won't have to expect these vehicles anytime soon either. Press agency Reuters reports from sources that Stellantis has put the plans on hold.
The reason was reportedly concerns about the demand for cars with level 3 autonomy. Stellantis doubts whether there is enough demand for such vehicles to produce them profitably. Development costs are also a concern, according to sources.
Mercedes-Benz tests vehicles with level 3 autonomy
Incidentally, there are already cars with level 3 autonomy. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, is testing vehicles offering this level of autonomy in Germany. The carmaker is allowed to test the vehicles on German roads until July 2028. In doing so, a driver is present in the vehicle, but does not have to keep his hands on the wheel.
These test vehicles from Mercedes-Benz can be recognised by the blue-turquoise lights they carry. The carmaker advocates developing a standard in this area. Blue-turquoise would be a good choice in this regard, as this colour is easily distinguishable from other colours used for emergency and vehicle lighting, among other things. The German company therefore advocates making this colour the global standard.
