Lucid Motors to Launch Hands-Free Highway Driving

Lucid Motors to Launch Hands-Free Highway Driving Feature

A significant advancement for its driver assistance technology is scheduled for July 30th, as Lucid Motors prepares to deploy a software update for its Air sedans. This update will introduce the capability for hands-free operation on highways.

Joining an Exclusive Group

With this rollout, Lucid Motors will become one of a limited number of automakers offering hands-free driving functionality within the United States. Currently, Ford’s BlueCruise, General Motors’ Super Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot represent similar systems.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) also provides hands-free capabilities under specific circumstances and in vehicles equipped with an interior camera.

Availability and Requirements

Initially, the hands-free update will be exclusive to Lucid Air sedan owners. A subsequent update for owners of the newly released Gravity SUV is planned for release later this year.

Deliveries of the Gravity SUV have been limited; Cox Automotive reported only five units were delivered during the second quarter. Access to the system requires the purchase of the $2,500 “Dream Drive Pro” package.

This package incorporates a comprehensive array of 32 sensors, including lidar, radar, cameras, and ultrasonics.

Customer Adoption and System Monitoring

Lucid has not disclosed the number of customers who have opted for the Dream Drive Pro package. Approximately 20,000 vehicles have been delivered by Lucid since 2021.

Drivers must maintain visual attention on the road and be prepared to regain control of the vehicle at any time, mirroring the operational requirements of competing systems.

How the System Works

Lucid will employ an infrared camera-based system, positioned above the steering column, to monitor driver attentiveness. The hands-free functionality will be restricted to pre-mapped, divided highways deemed “compatible” by the system.

The system relies on detailed maps to ensure safe operation.

Note: Details regarding pre-mapped highways and the infrared camera system have been added for clarity.