In the past, self-driving cars were nothing more than a motif in science fiction. Today, they’re much closer to becoming a reality, thanks to countless innovations in autonomous driving technology. To better understand how this technology works, the Society of Automotive Engineers created the six levels of autonomous driving.
There are six levels of automation, each of which presents a different role for the driver. Here is a helpful guide on the different levels of autonomous driving:
Most modern vehicles are Level 0, which gives the driver complete control. These cars typically come equipped with active safety systems, such as electronic stability control, traction control, and standard cruise control. However, the driver is ultimately still responsible for steering, accelerating, and braking.
While emergency brake systems activate without input from the driver, they don’t exactly “drive” the vehicle, so they don’t qualify as automation.
Vehicles with at least one advanced assistance system fall under Level 1. These systems typically support either steering and braking or accelerating but not simultaneously. The driver can still override the system’s input or turn it off completely.
For example, while the adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically controls the speed of the vehicle, you’re still responsible for steering and braking. Other common driver assistance systems that fall under this category include automated lane-keeping and park assistance.
Cars under Level 2 automation refer to those with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that can simultaneously control steering, braking, and accelerating. However, this doesn’t mean you can just sit back and relax. Most ADAS have limitations and only work on approved areas of the road, so you have to be ready to take over at any time.
For example, Ford’s BlueCruise takes over the vehicle’s steering, braking, and accelerating, but it’s limited to specific highways in the United States and Canada. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist works similarly, but it’s designed to automatically shut down if your hands are not on the steering wheel.
Level 3 autonomous cars are quite rare. These vehicles allow you to go hands-free and even let your eyes wander off the road. Under specific conditions and in certain areas, the Level 3 system will steer, brake, and accelerate without driver input. In some cases, however, the vehicle might ask you to take over, so you still have to stay alert at all times.
Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT is the first Level 3 system in the world to receive approval. According to the manufacturer, it’s a system designed to take the strain off the driver and allow them to perform simple tasks such as shopping online or writing emails in the car.
Vehicles equipped with Level 4 systems means drivers don’t have to take control in most circumstances. However, while Level 4 automation is equipped to intervene if things go wrong, drivers can still take control.
Unfortunately, Level 4 autonomous cars aren’t available for consumer use. They’re typically found in driverless taxis, such as Waymo and NAVYA. These vehicles are programmed to travel within geo-fenced areas with specific routes from Point A to Point B.
Among all the autonomous driving levels, Level 5 vehicles are the only ones that can manage without a steering wheel or acceleration and braking pedals. Level 5 systems turn drivers into passengers, allowing them to sit back and relax without a care in the world.
As the highest level of autonomous driving technology, Level 5 is free from geofencing and can travel anywhere and under various driving conditions.
Currently, no Level 5 cars are available to the public yet, but several manufacturers are working to make fully autonomous vehicles possible soon. While technological advancements continue to impress, there’s still a long way to go before passenger cars with full autonomy hit the market due to various public safety concerns. Potential software issues, insurance concerns, and the risk of hackers are just some of the risks that manufacturers must first address.
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