Subscription Autopilot: Volvo Launches Ride Pilot in California

Subscribing to certain car functions is no longer news – on newer Mercedes-Benz models, for example, it will be possible to increase the steering angle of the rear wheels for a fee. But Volvo decided to take it a step further by giving prospective owners of the Volvo XC90 electric crossover the ability to access autopilot on a monthly paid subscription basis. This means that an autonomous driving system based on lidar and other sensors will be installed even in the basic version of the car, but without paying a subscription, access to the system simply will not be possible.

But those users who pay for access to the Ride Pilot (the cost has not yet been specified) will be able to take advantage of all the advantages of self-driving – the car in most situations will be able to do without the participation of a human driver, assessing obstacles and necessary maneuvers based on built-in smart systems. However, so far the function is only in the testing stage – the Ride Pilot will be provided to owners of an electric crossover residing in California. But first, the manufacturer needs to sell enough electric cars that will move around the state and collect the necessary data to launch a beta test of the unmanned system.

However, sooner or later the necessary data will be collected, after which it is enough for Volvo to obtain permission from local regulators, and then the technology will be released. And, theoretically, if it is not too expensive, then the subscription may well be in demand, as the company promises to tell about this year.

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