Califooooorniaaaaaa right here we coooommmmeeeee (autonomously). Mercedes-Benz has simply introduced that its SAE Stage 3 autonomous driver help system, DRIVE PILOT, has been licensed to function in the whole state of California, starting with a few acquainted fashions.

Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT first debuted on the speedy roads in Germany in Could of 2022, however we at Electrek have had the prospect to expertise it (to some stage) within the US with grownup supervision. The automaker’s “DISTRONIC Lively Distance Help” builds upon the long-established Stage 2 autonomy MB has been delivering for years and takes it to a different echelon.

The motive force help characteristic ensures the EV maintains a preselected distance from the car in entrance of it whereas additionally sustaining different normal operations like lane preserving and energetic steering.

Nevertheless, since DISTRONIC nonetheless requires the motive force to maintain their fingers on the wheel, it stays categorised as SAE Stage 2. That’s not the case for DRIVE PILOT. This Stage 3 know-how nonetheless makes use of the present encompass sensors of the Mercedes’ Driving Help Bundle in an EQS, for instance, but in addition makes use of extra sensors, together with LiDAR and a digital camera within the rear window.

DRIVE PILOT even makes use of microphones to detect approaching emergency automobiles together with a highway wetness sensor within the wheel effectively. Throw in redundant steering, braking actuators, and an onboard electrical system, and Mercedes EVs outfitted with DRIVE PILOT are loaded with fail-safes in case one system struggles.

That’s why Mercedes-Benz is likely one of the few automakers to attain Stage 3 autonomous driving certification from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and a motive why essentially the most populous territory within the US is permitting it to function.

California joins Nevada in Stage 3 autonomous driving

The German automaker shared particulars of its newest US certification this afternoon, relaying that California state authorities have authorised the know-how to function below conditional circumstances.

The Golden State now joins Nevada because the second within the US to permit DRIVE PILOT, whereas Mercedes-Benz concurrently earns the crown as the primary automaker in each states authorised for Stage 3 autonomous driving on public roads in a standard-production.

In contrast to the Stage 2 ADAS techniques talked about above, like Tesla’s Autopilot and Ford’s BlueCruise that’s at the moment increasing within the US, Mercedes’ DRIVE PILOT allows the motive force to take their fingers off the wheel and eyes off the highway – when engaged, the car is answerable for something that occurs. Markus Schäfer, member of the board of administration of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and chief know-how officer accountable for growth and procurement, elaborated:

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is the world’s solely SAE Stage 3 system with internationally legitimate sort approval. It builds on a really strong basis, setting new business requirements. DRIVE PILOT makes use of a extremely refined car structure primarily based on redundancy with a large number of sensors enabling comfy and protected conditionally automated driving. The certification by the authorities in California and in Nevada as soon as once more confirms that redundancy is the protected and thus the precise strategy.

Whereas Mercedes-Benz’s remaining iteration of DRIVE PILOT is striving towards Stage 3 autonomous driving at speeds of as much as 80 mph, it’s not fairly there but. Like Nevada, California will permit Mercedes EV drivers to have interaction DRIVE PILOT on sure freeway sections with excessive site visitors density – the motive force help system can then take over speeds as much as 40 mph.

From there, DRIVE PILOT will management the car’s velocity, distance, and lane steerage, monitoring any and all site visitors indicators and different occasions occurring on the route whereas reacting to surprising site visitors conditions independently by means of “evasive maneuvers throughout the lane” or by braking. Keep in mind all that discuss further security and fail-safes? Mercedes-Benz explains additional:

If the motive force fails to take again management even after more and more pressing prompting and expiration of the takeover time (e.g., resulting from a extreme well being downside), the system brakes the car to a standstill in a managed method whereas participating the hazard warning lights. As soon as the car has come to a standstill, the Mercedes‑Benz emergency name system is activated and the doorways are unlocked to make sure the car is accessible for first responders.

We’re seeing related know-how being carried out in different upcoming EVs, like Volvo’s EX90, which makes use of LiDAR. In accordance with Mercedes, DRIVE PILOT will come outfitted on DRIVE PILOT in 2024 mannequin 12 months EQS sedans within the US, with the primary deliveries anticipated in late 2023. As you could have guessed, MB intends to increase the supply of DRIVE PILOT to extra markets sooner or later.

What do you suppose? Do you belief Mercedes-Benz’s Stage 3 autonomous driving? Is it a promoting level so that you can purchase one in every of its EVs?