In a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s no surprise that the concept of hands-free driving captured the imagination of many. Promising to revolutionize the way we commute, companies predicted that by 2025, we would relinquish control of our vehicles to the ever-reliable computerized robots. However, reality has fallen short of these grand expectations, and we find ourselves still firmly in the driver’s seat.
While hands-free driving technology is far from flawless, there are a few exceptions worth mentioning. Tesla’s Full-Self Driving suite, General Motors’ Super Cruise, and Ford’s BlueCruise have emerged as the frontrunners in this race for automotive autonomy. Notably, Ford’s BlueCruise has recently gained approval from the European Commission, allowing owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in 15 European countries to experience this cutting-edge technology. Impressively, Ford has already sold over 420k BlueCruise-equipped vehicles worldwide.
This latest expansion follows the initial introduction of BlueCruise in Germany, Great Britain, and Spain. Additionally, customers who purchase new Mustang Mach-E vehicles in countries with Blue Zones will also have access to this advanced driver assistance system. As a result, BlueCruise is now the most widely available Level 2 system approved by regulators in the European Union. With access to over 133,000 kilometers (82,744 miles) of designated highways across Europe, drivers can embark on epic road trips spanning multiple countries, covering thousands of kilometers, all while enjoying the luxury of hands-free driving.
Once BlueCruise is activated, the system takes control of steering, acceleration, braking, lane positioning, and maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. By continuously monitoring road markings, speed signs, and traffic conditions, BlueCruise ensures a seamless driving experience from highway speeds to navigating through traffic jams. Drivers using BlueCruise can keep their hands off the steering wheel, provided they remain attentive to the road ahead.
However, there are a couple of caveats to consider. To ensure driver attentiveness, a driver-facing camera is installed below the instrument cluster. This camera diligently monitors the driver’s eyes and head position, even when they are wearing sunglasses. While this feature enhances safety, it may raise concerns about privacy invasion. Additionally, BlueCruise is initially available as a free trial for 90 days. After the trial period, drivers can choose to subscribe to the service on a monthly or annual basis, tailoring their subscription to their specific driving needs.
Ashley Lambrix, BlueCruise general manager at Ford Motor Company, expressed enthusiasm about the recent ruling, stating, “We believe BlueCruise can make highway driving easier and more enjoyable, whether you are in stop-and-go traffic or on a long road trip. With this recent ruling, it will allow us to offer even more customers access to BlueCruise across Europe.”
While hands-free driving technology may not have completely transformed the way we drive, it has certainly made significant strides. With Ford’s BlueCruise leading the charge in Europe, drivers can now experience the convenience and innovation of this advanced driver assistance system. Whether it’s navigating through traffic or embarking on an unforgettable road trip, BlueCruise is poised to redefine the driving experience for many across the continent.
