Nissan automakers have recently announced that they are close to launching their semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist feature on American roadways.
The next generation Leaf EV is set to include the new ProPilot driving assist feature that is activated by a button on the steering wheel. The button controls the cars steering, braking and accelerating, but only on a single freeway lane.
Drivers will have the ability to see every angle of their surroundings with the help of an animation displayed front and center on the digital dashboard.
Although Nissan’s new technology cannot be compared to Tesla‘s autopilot software, which is considered the most technologically advanced autonomous driving system on the market, it will still help drivers with long commutes on highways.
“ProPilot Assist is a hands-on driver-assistance system. … It’s a feature that requires the driver to remain engaged,” said Andy Christensen, senior manager of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research for Nissan. “It is not a self-driving feature. We don’t talk about that. We don’t talk about the car doing the driving. It’s assisting the driver. The driver’s role hasn’t changed. We’re just providing assistance.“
The newly optimized Nissan model will use a camera, radar and sensors to help drivers stay in their lane, maintain their speed and brake, if the driver ahead slows down. However, it requires the driver to continue being somewhat engaged, as it will deactivate if it senses a soft grip from the driver.
Nissan executives have confirmed that the new feature is part of the company’s Intelligent Mobility approach, which is ultimately intended to lead toward fully self-driving cars.
The company plans on expanding the ProPilot technology with 10 different model launches set to take place throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan and China by 2020.
Nissan automakers are aware, however, that the new ProPilot assist feature may not be the primary selling point for the new Leaf model.
“Are people going to buy the Leaf because it has this system? I would say no,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst of AutoTrader.com. “Clearly, however, the future is autonomous electric vehicles. This is a step in that direction. GM, for instance, is doing an autonomous Chevy Bolt.”
According to company executives, it’s going to be quite some time before Nissan vehicles become fully autonomous. The ProPilot Assist feature is set to support multi-lane highways within the next two years, and city roads within four years.
Although pricing for the new Nissan Leaf model has yet to be announced, the company has confirmed that it will begin to offer the ProPilot Assist adaptive/intelligent cruise and lane-control system on the 2018 models of its all-electric Leaf vehicle later this year.