- Stellantis has introduced new Fiat 500e and Maserati Grecale prototypes.
- Wayve AI Driver allows them to offer hands-free, door-to-door driving.
- First production model with the technology is scheduled to launch in 2028.
Semi-autonomous driving technology is becoming increasingly important, but Stellantis’ Hands–Free Active Driving Assist system largely flies under the radar despite being very good. That’s about to change as the company is working on an all-new Level 2++ system.
Originally announced in May, work is progressing as Stellantis has unveiled two new prototypes based on the Fiat 500e and Maserati Grecale. They’re equipped with “STLA AutoDrive powered by Wayve,” which promises to deliver hands-free, door-to-door automated driving in real-world conditions.
More: Stellantis Promises Door-To-Door Hands-Free Driving With New Level 2++ System
The prototypes use the Wayve AI Driver and the automaker said the vehicles showcase the potential to adapt the technology across their lineup without developing systems independently for each model. This means Stellantis will be able to bring “advanced driver-assistance technologies to more brands, architectures, and customer profiles over time.”
The first vehicle with the Level 2++ system is slated to be launched in North America in 2028. There’s no word on what the mystery model is, but it won’t be the redesigned Jeep Cherokee as the crossover is scheduled to go into production in the second half of 2029. That’s somewhat surprising as the model will be the first American-made vehicle built on the new STLA One platform.
Stellantis hasn’t said much about the technology, but has previously stated it will work on highways as well as in urban environments. This is a big change as Hands–Free Active Driving Assist is limited to 200,000 miles (321,869 km) of roads across North America.
If everything works out as planned, the Level 2++ system aims to deliver an “intuitive, safe, and very natural” driver experience. The system has also been designed with future upgrades in mind.
While the automaker hasn’t said much about the technology, Wayve noted its AI Driver is a mapless solution that doesn’t require detailed HD maps. This “simplifies global deployment and significantly lowers costs, allowing for scalable expansion of automated driving technology.”
Wayve went on to say its camera-first approach is complimented by radar to ensure safe operation at a reasonable cost. Automakers also have the option of adding additional sensors, such as Lidar.
