- Autonomous Vehicles - Home
- Autonomous Vehicles - Introduction
- Autonomous Vehicles - Types
- Autonomous Vehicles - Needs
- Autonomous Vehicles - Advantages
- Autonomous Vehicles - Possible Impact
- Autonomous Vehicles - Levels of Autonomy
- Autonomous Vehicles - Technology
- Autonomous Vehicles - Risks
- Autonomous Vehicles - Applications
Types of Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are classified into several types. The basis of this classification is nothing but the level of autonomy, i.e., how much a vehicle can drive autonomously without need for human control.
In the field of autonomous vehicles, a widely recognized system of classification for autonomous vehicles is used, which is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
According to SAE, autonomous vehicles are broadly classified into six distinct classes or levels, and they are −
- Level 1 Vehicles
- Level 2 Vehicles
- Level 3 Vehicles
- Level 4 Vehicles
- Level 5 Vehicles
This classification of autonomous vehicles provides a clear difference between development and adoption of self-driving technologies in autonomous vehicles. Lets discuss each class of autonomous vehicles in more detail.
Level 0 Vehicles
Vehicles that do not have any automation capabilities in driving and need a human driver for controlling them are categorized as level 0 vehicles. Thus, level zero is a No Automation level.
However, these vehicles support some basic features such as,
- Blind spot warning
- Forward collision warning, etc.
Level 1 Vehicles
Level 1 vehicles provide some basic automation functions to provide driver assistance. Although, a human driver is needed for performing most driving functions and vehicle control. In level 1 vehicles, one automation function can take place at a time.
The automation features that level 1 vehicles support include −
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC) to control the speed of the vehicle, but the steering must be managed by the human driver.
- Lane keeping assist (LKA) to steer the vehicle to maintain the lane, but the speed must be control by the human driver.
Level 2 Vehicles
Level 2 is known as partial automation level in vehicles. Level 2 vehicles are capable in managing both speed and steering at the same time depending on the driving conditions. Although, a human driver still remains engaged in the driving activities for safe driving.
The key features included in the level 2 vehicles are −
- Tesla autopilot
- GM super cruise
- Audi traffic jam assist, etc.
Thus, the level 2 vehicles can handle some basic driving tasks on highways, but the human driver must continuously monitor the driving functions and take actions immediately.
Level 3 Vehicles
Level 3 autonomy is also known as conditional automation in vehicles. The level 3 vehicles can perform most driving functions in a specific driving environment. But a human driver's intervention is required if the vehicle request it.
Therefore, in level 3 vehicles, the human driver can temporarily disengage from the driving activities, but must be ready to resume it when requested.
The following key functions the level 3 vehicles can perform −
- Navigation on highways or in traffic jams
- Steering control
- Braking and acceleration, etc.
Level 4 Vehicles
Level 4 is termed as high automation level in vehicles. Level 4 vehicles are capable in self-driving in a specific geofencing area or condition, without any human driver. However, if the vehicle goes outside the specified condition or area, the human driver must be available to take the control, otherwise the vehicle will stop safely.
The key features of level 4 vehicles are listed here −
- If the vehicle is driving within the specified condition or geofencing area, then no driver attention is needed.
- Vehicle can operate without human intervention and stops if goes outside the operational area.
Level 5 Vehicles
Level 5 vehicles support full automation and thus they can operate autonomously in any driving environment. These vehicles do not need a human driver under any condition. Therefore, components like steering wheel, brake pedals, etc. are not necessary in these vehicles because they do not require human intervention at any time.
Level 5 vehicles are currently under development and are not available commercially.
Important Points about Autonomous Vehicles
Some of the important characteristics of autonomous vehicles are highlighted below −
- Human Intervention − When we go from level 0 to level 5, need for human intervention goes down, and the level 5 vehicles do not require any kind of human intervention.
- Driving Environment − Level 0 to level 2 vehicles need a human driver to monitor the vehicle operation in all driving environments, while level 3 to level 5 vehicles can make self-driving decisions depending on the driving environment.
- Sensor-Based Technology − The increased level of autonomy in vehicles needs advanced sensors to understand the surrounding environment.
- Smart Infrastructure − Higher level of autonomy requires smart infrastructure like smart roads, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-everything communication, etc.
Conclusion
The classification of autonomous vehicles is done on the basis of level of autonomy defined by SAE. In conclusion, according to SAE, there are six types of autonomous vehicles, from level 0 to level 5. The level 0 are no autonomous vehicles, while level 5 are fully autonomous vehicles. Read the next chapter to learn why we need Autonomous Vehicles.