Mercedes becomes the first automaker to sell Level 3 self-driving vehicles in California

https://www.engadget.com/mercedes-becomes-the-first-automaker-to-sell-level-3-self-driving-vehicles-in-california-103504319.html?src=rss

Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to get permission from California regulators to sell or lease vehicles with Level 3 (hands-off and eyes-off) self driving tech on designated roads, Reuters has reported. The California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a permit for the company’s Drive Pilot system, provided it’s used under certain conditions and on specific roads. Mercedes-Benz previous received a similar certification in Nevada. 

Drive Pilot will allow Mercedes-Benz drivers to takes their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, then do other non-driving activities like watching videos and texting. If the rules for use are followed, Mercedes (and not the driver) will be legally responsible for any accident that happens. 

To do all this, the Drive Pilot system relies on sensors installed throughout the vehicle including visual cameras, LiDAR arrays, radar/ultrasound sensors and audio mics to keep an ear out for approaching emergency vehicles. It can even compare onboard sensor and GPS data to fix its precise location on roads. 

It’s not as advanced as the systems on Waymo and Cruise vehicles, which allow full self-driving with no human driver aboard. At the same time, it’s a step up from Tesla’s so-called Full Self-Driving system, which is actually a Level 2 system and requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and pay attention at all times. 

Utilization is limited to high-traffic situations during daylight, with speeds under 40 MPH, and drivers must be available to resume control — so you can’t go in the back seat and sleep, for example. To enforce that, the vehicle tracks the driver with an in-car monitor, and you’ll need to take over if it goes faster than 40MPH, an emergency vehicle shows up, it rains, or other situations Driver Pilot can’t handle on its own. 

The system will be available on 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with deliveries slated for later this year. Engadget was able to test the system at Mercedes-Benz’s test track in Germany (and see it in action on LA roads). According to contributor Roberto Baldwin, "while it did what it was supposed to do, we found it hard to turn off our driving brain while behind the wheel."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/JZ90l3R

via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

June 9, 2023 at 05:45AM

Tesla drivers are using bioweapon defense mode to escape wildfire smoke — here’s how it works

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/06/08/tesla-drivers-are-using-bioweapon-defense-mode-to-escape-wildfire-smoke-here-s-how-it-works/


The Statue of Liberty is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada.
Amr Alfiky/Reuters
  • Three Tesla Models come with “bioweapon defense mode.”
  • Using HEPA air filters and positive pressure, Tesla says you could ride out a military attack in one. 
  • Tesla owners posted videos of the mode in use amid thick wildfire smoke this week. 

Tesla added intense air filtration to three of its models years ago and drivers are once again finding them useful for unhealthy air sweeping across North America.

“Never thought I’d have to use this feature,” one Reddit user posted with a photo. In the comments, Californians chimed in that they’d found it useful during the state’s fires in recent years. 

Tesla’s bioweapon mode acts as an air pressure buffer on top of the usual HEPA filtration, similar to the positive ventilation used in surgical facilities to keep any pollutants out. 

Tesla made a demonstration video on how it works: 

 

“You can literally survive a military grade bio attack by sitting in your car,” Tesla said, posting a chart of its data to prove it. 

Tesla’s not the only automaker to include air-purifying HEPA filters, but they’re not common. Mercedes-Benz‘ “Air Balance” system also uses them.

 

 

via Autoblog https://ift.tt/F73T4kq

June 8, 2023 at 03:14PM