Ford Motor plans to introduce its first Level 3 driver-assistance technology in 2028, reported Reuters.
The technology enables motorists to take both hands and eyes off the road on designated highways.
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It will debut on a new dedicated electric vehicle platform being engineered by a specialist team in California, the company said.
Ford intends to roll the capability out to additional models over time but has not disclosed which vehicle in the new line-up will be the first to receive it.
The forthcoming platform’s initial product will be a midsize electric pickup truck, scheduled for launch in 2027 with a targeted starting price of $30,000.
Ford said this model will incorporate new software features that are not currently available on its existing range.
According to Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer, the Level 3 system will not be included as standard equipment at the $30,000 price point and will instead be offered at an extra cost, with pricing yet to be decided.
Field told Reuters: “We’re also learning a lot about the business model. Should it be a subscription? Should you pay for it all at the beginning? We’re focused right now on making it super affordable, and we’re very excited about that. We have time to establish the pricing for it.”
The Dearborn-based manufacturer is aiming to develop much of the technology internally, reducing dependence on external suppliers.
Ford expects this approach to help lower costs, accelerate the pace of software updates to customers and address longstanding quality concerns.
Field said Ford’s Level 3 offering will use LiDAR, a laser-based remote-sensing technology.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has previously argued that autonomy can be achieved using cameras alone and without LiDAR, though the company’s “full self-driving” system is classified at Level 2 and still requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Passenger vehicle systems that allow some degree of automated driving are generally restricted to motorway use, where driving conditions are more consistent.
Urban environments present more complex scenarios, including pedestrians, cyclists and unpredictable events.
