Stellantis will offer the STLA AutoDrive system with safer and more efficient features

Stellantis is making progress in autonomous driving and has just unveiled its new STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system. It features Level 3 autonomous driving, which makes it a fairly advanced system. This system is part of the group’s technological advancement strategy and joins STLA Brain and STLA Digital SmartCockpit, both aimed at advancing automation and the user experience.

STLA AutoDrive 1.0 enables automated driving in situations where speeds do not exceed 60 km/h. For this reason, it is an ideal system for driving in conditions with constant stopping and starting and at low speeds. In principle, drivers will be able to take their eyes and hands off the steering wheel while driving, although there is still quite a way to go before this is legal.

The system has been designed so that the driver receives a notification announcing that it is available. This happens when traffic and environmental conditions are suitable for its use. It is activated by a physical button and the system takes control. It maintains safe distances from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed, and manages steering and braking so that there is no risk.

STLA AutoDrive monitors its surroundings through its sensors, obtaining a great deal of real-time information about traffic and the environment. This also works at night and in adverse weather conditions, such as light rain. In cases of heavy rain, fog or snow, it is better to drive in manual mode. Even so, several sensor-cleaning systems help maintain safety during the journey.

Stellantis’s engineering team has ensured that this system operates efficiently and reacts quickly and naturally, with great precision. If the car merges into traffic, the system also functions correctly and provides safe, risk-free driving.

If it is necessary to drive at speeds above those 60 km/h, STLA AutoDrive 1.0 offers Adaptive Cruise Control and keeps the vehicle within its lane, with Level 2 and Level 2+ driving capability.

Coming soon to Stellantis models

Its architecture allows it to be used in several Stellantis models arriving in the coming years. In addition, the system’s cloud connection enables continuous improvements through over-the-air updates and real-time data integration to optimise the vehicle’s performance.

Of course, this autonomous driving system complies with the legal regulations of each market and requires the driver to remain attentive to the steering wheel at all times and be ready to take control if necessary. Incidentally, using a mobile phone is still not permitted even when autonomous driving capability is available.

Later on, the STLA AutoDrive system will incorporate new features such as the ability to drive without touching the steering wheel and without monitoring the road at speeds of up to 95 km/h instead of the current 60 km/h. It will also improve off-road driving in autonomous mode and add other more advanced functions.