Jeep – Photo Source/Copyright: Stellantis Media
The phrase “Freedom is Electric” is the off-road vehicle manufacturer Jeep®’s new tagline. We’ll see lots of battery-electric cars (BEVs) coming from Jeep and all the other automotive companies under the Stellantis banner, including electrified favorites like the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and full-electric variations like the all-electric Wagoneer. Automakers are examining methods to include cutting-edge self-driving vehicle technology in addition to the BEV boom. The Chrysler Airflow Concept at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show also demonstrated the SmartCockpit and its Level 3 autonomous driving functionality. Stellantis recently announced its upcoming vehicle-to-everything (V2X) project to warn drivers of impending hazardous situations, such as an immobilized vehicle or auto incident. Jeep is already developing level 3 autonomy for certain of its cars, beginning with off-road driving technology, getting a head start on the competition.
“In the same way that our 4xe electrification takes Jeep brand’s off-road capability to new heights, these advanced off-road driving systems will help more customers in more countries around the world join and enjoy the adventure. These features and technology will have real-life applications on and off the trail in a wide range of driving conditions,” – Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO
For those who are unaware, an autonomous car is one that can drive itself and negotiate traffic without the assistance of a human driver. There are a total of five levels of driving automation, ranging from Level Zero (0), which has no driving automation technology at all, to Level Five (5), where full driving automation enables the vehicle to operate autonomously in all types of driving situations. Many automakers nowadays (2023) reside somewhere between Levels 1 and 3. Technology at Level 1 includes elements that alert the driver when anything is approaching in their blind zone or if they are about to leave their lane. Advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that can take over steering, acceleration, and braking in specified conditions, such as forward-collision warning with emergency braking systems, would be considered level 2 automation. These systems include Highway Driving Assist systems. There are currently no Level 3 systems that are approved for use on American roads, which is the sweet spot where a variety of driver-aid systems and artificial intelligence can take over the operation of the car.
Jeep hopes to take advantage of the potential change in the coming years by making it automatic, which is what it does best. The brand is known for its off-road adventures, and Jeepers enjoy exploring the outdoors and taking on paths designed for Jeep and other off-road vehicles in order to test the limits of their Jeep SUV. Even while some may consider it cheating, why not allow Jeep beginners the satisfaction of driving off-road and finishing a trail? Nobody should be discouraged from participating in the Jeep Badge of Honor program because they haven’t used a Jeep before because Jeep isn’t about gatekeeping.
Neda Cvijetic, head of AI & autonomous driving at Stellantis, gives us a sneak peek at the off-road capability of an autonomous Jeep in the video above while testing the newest prototypes of automated off-road driving technology specific to the Jeep brand in Moab, Utah. Autonomous technology can alter how Jeepers view some of the more difficult terrains they might not have the confidence to take on on their own. Whether it improves the experience for seasoned off-roaders or consumers new to driving off-road tracks. Jeep’s new objective is to develop automatic off-road driving technology combined with off-road electrification, and we’re interested to see how it turns out.
Want to keep up with Jeep and autonomous technology? Follow along with us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media. Want to go on your own adventure? Find a new Jeep SUV at Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today.
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Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.