GM plans on selling an autonomous vehicle by 2025, however, we think it’ll be more like their BlueCruise system which is more interactive with the driver.
reports that GM will have a self-driving car ready by 2025, but is that too soon? Here's what we know about GM's proposed electric vehicle so far.
What will the GM self-driving car look like?
GM CEO Mary Barra made the announcement of GM's plans at the latest Consumer Electronics Show.
Unlike previous AV endeavors, Barra said that this proposed car would be available for any consumer to buy. Based on a concept that was also revealed at the CES, it could be a new two-seater Cadillac.
We predict that this car will also have an upgraded version of Ford's BlueCruise autopilot system.
With only minimal driver interaction, this system has been shown to safely accelerate and switch lanes on roadways. To ensure that the driver keeps their eyes on the road, it analyzes their movements with a steering column-mounted infrared camera.
Ford BlueCruise also has one big advantage over similar cruise control systems. Drivers can choose to make maneuvers of their own and BlueCruise won't shut off. Instead, it will wait until the driver has finished and then re-center itself in the lane.
This encourages drivers to work with the system, rather than being completely reliant upon it. BlueCruise's consistent operation could also make it a more reliable system once fully autonomous. While BlueCruise is available in select Ford vehicles right now, it's still only at Level 2 autonomy.
, this vehicle shares a platform with the Chevy Bolt and comes equipped with 360-degree cameras. Its computer can analyze multiple paths in a second, then take the safest and fastest route.
The Cruise Origin is a six-seater commuter shuttle that relies on the same technology. It looks more like a cable car than a traditional automobile with no mirrors, pedals, or even a steering wheel!
Barra said that these vehicles will be ready to start making passenger pickups and deliveries within this year.
Will the GM self-driving car meet its release date?
In the recent past, GM has failed to meet its promises regarding autonomous vehicles. The Cruise robotaxi service was supposed to launch in 2019, but it has now been pushed back to sometime in 2022.
While Cruise shows considerable promise, a consumer-ready AV by mid-decade is definitely still an ambitious goal. Barra also did not reveal which (if any) existing GM vehicles would get the fully-autonomous treatment.
To be fair, production delays are not uncommon when it comes to AVs. Obviously, they have to undergo rigorous testing before they can carry passengers without human guidance. Automakers also tend to underestimate the amount of money required to invest in such technology and testing.
Will the GM self-driving car need special car insurance?
As of today, there are no completely self-driving cars available to buy. As such, insurance providers have little reason to start creating policies specifically for these vehicles.
Due to the added technology and possible liability issues, it's very likely that self-driving cars will have special coverage options.
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