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• Level 2: At least two key control functions work in unison to relieve the driver of control of those
tasks.
• Level 3: The driver cedes full control of all safety-critical functions under certain conditions, but is
expected to be available for occasional control.
• Level 4: After being provided destination or navigation input, the vehicle monitors roadway
conditions for an entire trip and performs safety-critical driving functions. Level 4 vehicles are
considered fully autonomous.
Figure 16: NHTSA Vehicle Automation Levels
(Source: ABI Research)
High
“Autonomous Vehicles”
Level 4
Full Self-Driving Automation
Automation Level
Level 3
Limited Self-Driving Automation
Level 2
Combined Function Automation
Level 1
Function-Specific Automation
Low
Level 0
No-Automation
Driver Control
Critical Monitoring and Safety
Vehicle Control
As illustrated in Figure 16, Level 3 and 4 systems provide the highest levels of automation for the most critical
functions. At this time, only Level 2 capabilities are available to the public. But it has been estimated that
in excess of 100 different types of autonomous vehicles from all the major automotive OEMs, such as Ford,
All of the major automotive OEMs
are testing Level 3 and Level 4 vehicle
automation systems on public
roadways.
General Motors, Toyota, and their Tier One suppliers, working in conjunction with national governments and
others, are currently developing and testing Level 3 and Level 4 automation systems on public roadways,
covering hundreds of thousands of miles each year. In the United States, Michigan, California, Florida, and
Nevada have passed legislation allowing Level 3 and 4 automated vehicles to operate on public roads.
Testing on public roadways under “real-world,” dynamic conditions offers a number of advantages. For the
most part, however, testing is limited to the function of onboard systems, and the opportunity for rigorous,
Automotive firms are also testing
vehicles in tightly controlled test facilities
that simulate city centers and
public roadways.
deep, and highly structured research is lost. Conversely, testing on closed tracks or other small, highly controlled
roadways does not reflect normal driving conditions. As a result, automotive firms are also testing
vehicles in tightly controlled test facilities that simulate city centers and public roadways, such as Mcity in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, and GoMentum Station in Concord, California, which provide for formal, rigorous investigation,
yet under real-world operational conditions (albeit simulated).
www.abiresearch.com
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