Jeep is trying to take self-driving automobiles off-road.
The automaker on Wednesday launched a brief video clip of autonomous prototypes testing in Moab, Utah. The clip reveals a pair of Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids with added sensors tackling a few of Moab’s well-known trails with no human on the wheel. Jeep was imprecise on the place these exams may lead, although.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe autonomous prototypes testing in Moab, Utah
“These superior off-road driving programs will assist extra clients in additional nations world wide be part of and benefit from the journey,” Jeep CEO Christian Meunier mentioned in a press release. “These options and know-how can have real-life functions on and off the path in a variety of driving circumstances.”
Neither Meunier nor Jeep supplied extra element on what these functions is likely to be, or a manufacturing timeline, although. An autonomous driving system designed for off-road use would seemingly face fewer regulatory hurdles than tech supposed to be used on public roads, nevertheless.
Whereas the Grand Cherokee fashions used for these exams are based mostly on a legacy platform, Jeep mum or dad Stellantis has mentioned it plans to bake superior driver-assist functionality into its future EV platforms. In late 2021, the automaker introduced new software program programs to be launched beginning in 2024 in Stellantis’ 4 devoted EV platforms. One, referred to as STLA AutoDrive, guarantees SAE Degree 3 functionality, which means hands-off, eyes-off operation in sure circumstances.
The primary confirmed Jeep fashions that can use one of many devoted EV platforms, and thus doubtlessly incorporate a few of this software program, are the Wrangler-esque Recon and the Wagoneer S. Each are scheduled to be unveiled later this yr, with manufacturing as a consequence of begin in 2024.
