The electric successor to the Volvo XC90 will be able to drive highly automated. However, only under certain local and financial conditions.
Volvo is thus starting series production of highly automated driving. Initially only in California, where the assistance system known as “Drive Pilot” should be available later this year for users of the brand’s upcoming electric flagship. Other markets are to follow. The technology enables driving at level 3 of autonomy. This means that people can keep their hands off the steering wheel permanently on suitable stretches of motorway and completely avert their eyes from the traffic. In the event of an emergency, however, he must remain ready to intervene at all times. The functionality is also limited to a certain speed range, which Volvo has not yet specified. The target group includes business people who want to get work done on their morning drive through the stop-and-go traffic. In the future, these could activate the Drive Pilot temporarily or permanently for a fee as part of a kind of subscription model. The manufacturer has not yet given any information on the costs. In addition to radar and camera, Volvo also uses a laser scanner as sensors, a technology that is currently still considered relatively expensive. The hardware is on board as standard in every vehicle built, but is not active. Approval is still pending Approval from the California road traffic authority DMV is still pending, as Martin Kristensson, who heads the development of autonomous driving at Volvo, admits. The car manufacturer is in close contact, however, so that the technology can be activated in a timely manner. At the time of launch in Europe, he does not provide any information. But first of all, the premiere of the XC90 successor, which will be the first model of the brand to be equipped with the Drive Pilot. Retrofitting on other Volvo cars is not possible. With the introduction of highly automated driving, Volvo is one of the pioneers in technology. In Germany, Mercedes intends to offer level 3 autonomy shortly; Audi has had the necessary technology for the A8 on board since 2017, and has not yet been allowed to activate it for legal reasons. Other premium manufacturers are also likely to announce advances in level 3 technology in the coming months.Pre-stage for robotaxisThe highly automated driving on level 3 is a pre-stage to the fully automated car on level 4. At this level, the vehicle drives completely independently and could also drive without it live occupants are on the move – important for the operation of robotic taxis, for example. However, this only works within predefined geographical limits or under certain weather conditions. Volvo is also developing this technology, among other things as part of a cooperation with Google sister Waymo. One speaks of “real” autonomous driving only from level 5. In the foreseeable future, however, no car is likely to reach this level. Semi-automated driving at level 2 is already available in many vehicle classes; However, people are only allowed to take their hands off the steering wheel for a short time and must be able to intervene again at any time. (SPX)
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