Those statements are all true because there are different “levels” of autonomy.
Here’s what those levels mean.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) definessix levels of car autonomy.
They released this guidance to both push forward and standardize autonomous vehicle testing.
The NHTSA breaks down Self-Driving cars into six categories, starting with Level 0.
Level 0: No Automation
A Level 0 car has no self-driving capabilities at all.
The human does all the driving at all times.
Basically, a Level 0 car isn’t self-driving at all.
Realistically, until recently, most vehicles were Level 0.
Quite a few cars already have this technology.
They still require full driver attention, and you must be ready to take over at any time.
GM’sSuper Cruiseis an excellent example of Level 2.
With a Super Cruise-enabled car, you might take your hands off the steering wheel.
Level 3: Conditional Automation
At Level 3, you could take your eyes off the road.
Unlike level 3 you won’t be required to take over when all the conditions are right.
NHTSA
But if it’s raining or snowing, then the vehicle might not allow you to engage self-driving.
Honda has announced it is working towards a Level 4 vehicleby 2026.
One exception is Waymo, which is testing at Level 4 conditions in theEarly Access program.
Chevrolet
You could be solely a passenger and not be expected to drive at all.
If Level 0 is the car you drive, then Level 5 is the car that drives you.
The earliest Level 5 vehicle is already on the road.
Chevrolet
But you won’t see it ferrying people—instead they carry groceries.
Nurohas been partnering with Krogers to test small cars that carry groceries a short distance.
They leave the store and arrive at your house.
Audi
You take out your groceries.
No human handles the car, and there isn’t even a steering wheel.
But cars that drive themselves at high speed with passengers are a long way off.
Waymo
The laws need to be fully standardized, and we need to hammer out answers to some important questions.
For instance, if a fully autonomous vehicle hits another car, who is at fault?
The passenger who wasn’t driving?
Nuro.ai
The manufacturer for faulty code?
What insurance pays the damage?
It will be even longer before the technology trickles down to everyday buyers.
