Tesla has outlined plans to release Level 2 autonomous driving technology as an option for its latest models in Australia.
The US EV maker has green-lit its ‘Full Self Driving (Supervised)’ assistance suite for future use Down Under – five years after it approved the same software for use in the US.
There is no firm timeline for the rollout of the technology in Australia, but Tesla Australia officials flagged to media this week that it wasn’t far away as part of a showcase in Brisbane.
Officially dubbed Tesla’s Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), the technology importantly requires drivers to remain in control of the vehicle, with their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. This means it is largely similar to how drivers treat existing systems such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.
The technology isn’t a standard feature on new Tesla’s, but rather part of a $10,100 optional software suite that relies on eight exterior cameras which run information into an on-board computer. The set-up purportedly uses driving data from billions of kilometres uploaded by Tesla owners around the world.
The data is then used to create a real-time presentation of the road environment, helping navigate road markings, other road users, traffic lights and other everyday obstacles.
In order to enable to software, drivers must first give consent to a long list of terms and conditions, which will then allow the car to accelerate, brake, steer, signal and merge lanes – all with a watchful eye from the driver, ready to take over if need be.
Examples of the updated Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y released in the past 18 months (fitted with the required Hardware 4 suite) will be the first to be upgraded with the Level 2 autonomous capability if drivers so choose. A 30-day free trial of the service will be offered on all new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y deliveries.
Older Tesla Models fitted with an older Hardware 3 suite will be offered Level 2 capability with a retrofit performed by Tesla technicians.
Both Australia and New Zealand will be the first right-hand drive markets globally to feature Tesla’s Level 2 capability.
It is understood the driver is still legally in control of the vehicle in the event of a crash.