Every automaker seems to be investing in Self Driving technologies. This time, Ford has confirmed Active Drive Assist, part of the co-pilot 360 technology for the upcoming Mustang Mach E. This technology will first be available with the Mach-E and then followed by some other models from Ford's 2021 lineup (probably the new F-150 which will be unveiled next week). Active Drive Assist will be available by the end of 2021, where it will be updated to the car's system via the internet.
What Does It Do?
Ford's Active Drive Assist will be able to control the vehicle's speed and steering through cameras and radar. But this feature will only work on pre-mapped roads (100,000 miles of highways in the US and Canada). This system has more similarities to Cadillac's Supercruise rather than Tesla's Autopilot since Autopilot doesn't need pre-mapped roads.
Another difference is that Ford's system, just like Cadillac's, will have a driver-facing camera in the car's interior to check if the driver is paying attention to the road while Tesla's autopilot system relies on touch feedback through the steering wheel.
Communication Is Key
According to Darren Palmer, the Global Director of Battery Electric Vehicles at Ford, the system will be very smooth and clear when it comes to communicating with the driver since they think this is very important for building confidence. All Active Drive Assist information will be communicated through the cockpit screen.
How Much It Will Cost
There are no official prices for the optional Active Drive Assist. However, we know that Tesla's Autopilot is a $7,000 option, while Cadillac's super cruise is $2,500. We think Ford's will probably be similar in price to Cadillac's.
Source: Ford, CNBC