February 21, 2025 – Stellantis, the automotive giant with a footprint spanning both Europe and America, has announced the launch of its first “hands-free, eyes-free” partial autonomous driving feature, dubbed STLA AutoDrive. This innovation promises to offer a reprieve to drivers yearning to “reclaim valuable time” amidst congested traffic.
However, Stellantis has refrained from immediately rolling out this feature, citing obstacles in the market and regulatory environment. The company remains tight-lipped about which of its models will be the first to sport this technology.
According to Dan Reid, a spokesperson for Stellantis, “The technology has been fully developed and is ready for deployment. Nevertheless, due to the currently limited market for Level 3 autonomous driving and its acceptance, we have opted to withhold its release. We will proceed when the market matures and there is a higher reception for this technology.”
As defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Level 3 automation signifies a high level of autonomy where the driver is still required to intervene when necessary but can avert their gaze from the road in certain situations.
Stellantis revealed that STLA AutoDrive will encompass functionalities ranging from manual Level 2 driving to hands-free, eyes-free Level 3+. Remarkably, the Level 3+ system can operate even during nighttime and adverse weather, albeit with certain restrictions. For instance, drivers are allowed to avert their gaze from the road and remove their hands from the steering wheel only when traveling at speeds below 60 kilometers per hour. Stellantis anticipates that technological advancements will enable the system to support higher speeds and even off-road capabilities in the future.
Furthermore, STLA AutoDrive leverages a sophisticated sensor system, including self-cleaning cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors, integral to features like blind spot detection, lane keeping, and parking assistance.
