Imagine you’re in a scene from a sci-fi movie, but it’s happening right now. Self-driving car technology is divided into five levels, each with its own features and limits.
At Level 1, you get basic help with driving, while at Level 5, cars can drive themselves completely.
But how do you understand these levels, and what does each one really mean? It’s important to know the differences, especially as these technologies become part of our everyday lives.
Let’s break down each level and see how they change the way we drive.
Overview of Autonomous Vehicle Levels
When looking at self-driving car technology, it’s important to know about the six levels of automation set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
These levels go from Level 0, where a human driver does everything, to Level 5, where the car is fully self-driving.
Level 4 means the car can handle almost all driving tasks on its own.
Cars that need some help from a human driver fall below Level 4.
These levels help set safety rules and regulations.
Level 1: Driver Assistance
How does Level 1 automation make your driving experience better? It adds helpful features like:
- Adaptive cruise control: Automatically changes your speed.
- Lane-keeping assist: Helps you stay in your lane.
- Collision prevention: Keeps you safer by watching the road and making adjustments.
While driving a Level 1 autonomous vehicle, you still need to pay attention to everything because the system only helps with either steering or acceleration, but not both at the same time.
Level 2: Partial Automation
Level 2: Partial Automation makes driving easier by using smart systems that handle both steering and speed at the same time.
Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise help keep your car in its lane and maintain a safe distance from other cars, making driving safer and more comfortable.
However, drivers still need to pay attention and be ready to take control.
Research shows these features can cut down on traffic accidents by up to 11%.
Level 3 to Level 5 Automation
While Level 2 automation makes driving easier and safer, the journey towards fully self-driving cars continues with Levels 3 to 5.
- Level 3 automation: The car can handle most driving tasks, but it still needs a human to take over at times. A good example is Audi’s Traffic Jam Pilot.
- Level 4 automation: These cars can drive themselves in certain areas, like cities, without any help from a human.
- Level 5 automation: These cars are completely self-driving in all situations, with no need for a human driver.