Stellantis halts Level 3 autonomous driving system project due to high costs and technical challenges.

The automotive world has witnessed remarkable developments in autonomous driving technology, with manufacturers aiming to deliver solutions that make transportation safer and more comfortable. Among the key players in this field, Stellantis announced the development of a Level 3 autonomous driving system under its internal program known as STLA AutoDrive, which grants drivers the freedom to take their hands and eyes off the wheel under certain driving conditions.

However, despite the significant technical progress made by the company, recent reports indicate that Stellantis decided to temporarily suspend the project due to high costs, technical challenges, and limited consumer demand.

In this article, we explore the details of this system, its key features, reasons for suspending the project, and compare different levels of autonomous driving while focusing on Stellantis’ position in the technological landscape.

What is STLA AutoDrive by Stellantis?

• An advanced Level 3 autonomous driving system (SAE Level 3), allowing drivers to temporarily disengage from manual control and monitoring under specific conditions.

• Designed to operate at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), ideal for urban driving and traffic congestion scenarios.

• Functions even in low-light conditions and light weather, such as rain.

• Enables drivers to perform non-driving tasks like watching movies, reading messages, or browsing the internet while driving.

• Equipped with an automatic sensor-cleaning system to maintain accurate sensing.

Key Technical Features of STLA AutoDrive

Reasons for Stellantis Suspending the Project

• High costs associated with development and commercial deployment of Level 3 system.

• Technical complexities in ensuring safety and reliability in real-world conditions.

• Weak consumer demand for Level 3 technology compared to more established systems.

• Regulatory and legal variations across countries slowing international approval.

Comparison of Autonomous Driving Levels

*STLA AutoDrive is Stellantis’ Level 3 system, but it has not been launched yet due to the mentioned challenges.

Future of Autonomous Driving at Stellantis

• Despite the current suspension of Level 3 system, Stellantis confirms the technology is ready and can be deployed when demand increases.

• The company is working to enhance the system’s speed and support more diverse driving scenarios.

• Possible integration of the system in “جيب” vehicles for off-road autonomous driving.

• Gradual adoption of autonomous models with a focus on safety and user experience.

The suspension of Stellantis’ STLA AutoDrive Level 3 autonomous driving system marks a significant moment in the technology race. Development costs and limited demand have not stopped the company from continuing to improve the system and planning for a safer, smarter driving future. With advances in AI and sensor technologies, the future of autonomous driving remains promising and rapidly progressing toward unprecedented mobility digitization.