© Avinash Patel/Pexels
Autonomous driving is actually divided into five categories. From level 1 (adaptive cruise control, park assist, automatic emergency braking, etc.) to level 5 (completely autonomous vehicles like those from Waymo). In France, it is authorized up to level 2, as provided for by European standards; a situation completely opposite to that of the United States, where drivers can exploit it without hindrance. However, it is possible that the regulatory framework will evolve as early as 2025.
A changing regulatory landscape
If we talk a lot about Tesla's Autopilot (which finds itself fairly regularly criticized across the Atlantic), the manufacturer is not the only one to offer its autonomous driving system. Mercedes has its DRIVE PILOT, Audi its AI Traffic Jam Pilot or Ford its BlueCruise. These systems, as advanced as they are, are restricted in Europe, where human intervention is still essential.
Impossible for a motorist to drive an entire journey while leaving his steering wheel aside, the car will necessarily call him to order so that he puts his wheels back hands on. Nevertheless, the wheels of the European administration have been set in motion to change the situation.
Indeed, the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) outlined, in a document dated February 6, a fairly clear desire to reform the rules governing autonomous driving from the # 8217;year 2025. Even if no official decision has yet been taken, discussions are expected in the coming months so that from the start #8217;next year, level 2 of autonomous driving will no longer be the limit.
Complete autonomy, but monitored
< p>As might be expected, the European approach to this matter will differ radically from that of the United States. Among our American friends, laissez-faire is total, and anyone who owns an autonomous car can fully use its capabilities.
The framework envisaged in the Old Continent is intended to be a bit tighter, still requiring vigilance on the part of the driver, who must be able to regain control of their vehicle at any time. No naps in your Tesla, as we saw in Canada a few years ago!
In reality, it will be the vehicle itself which will detect if the driver is attentive enough. It will be impossible to engage in another activity on board and full autonomy will be blocked if the level of attention is judged to be too low.
A more nuanced and balanced approach which demonstrates a desire to be open to innovation while guaranteeing a certain security of&# 8217;use. Tesla has wasted no time and is already in the intensive testing phase in order to adapt its technology to future European standards. We can already bet that the introduction of autonomous driving in France will be talked about ; whether by its defenders or detractors.
- European standards restrict the use of driving autonomous at level 2.
- These standards could evolve in 2025, at the request of the UNECE.
- The planned regulatory framework will still be less flexible than that of the United States.
📍 To not miss any news from Presse-citron, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.
[ ]