3 best driverless car manufacturers and what you need to know

The innovation we know as “driverless cars” are also known as autonomous vehicles. Autonomous means possessing the freedom to control itself. With that said, we can accurately assume that these self-driving cars are more than your usual smart car.

The idea of driverless cars has been driving people crazy for years. But it was not until Google’s step towards the concept that the automobile industry started making developments at a super-fast rate.

To support this great leap in innovation, the Society of Automotive Engineers created a particular “scale.” This was supposed to describe the autonomy level and capability of the self-driving cars. The scale ranges from zero all the way to five.

The lower the rating of the autonomous vehicle, the more driver interaction it requires. Since we’re talking about the “best”, Philkotse.com decided to round up the autonomous cars with level four and five ratings.

1. The Waymo

This started as a simple but confidential project operated by Google. The fact that the making and testing process was kept a secret from the public was amazing enough. By the time that Google decided to share their creation with the world, it was already ready for the speed track.

It may sound successful and overwhelming, but it has its drawbacks as well. The real disadvantage of the successful Waymo is that it’s the main tech and AI. Whiles, it is fitted with an enormous amount of artificial intelligence and machine-learning capability, there are no automotive manufacturers backing it up.

The Waymo started as a simple but confidential project operated by Google

Fortunately, the company was able to overcome that drawback by working closely with some of the world’s leading car manufacturers. These are Jaguar and Chrysler.

Of course, safety and ease of use are the main questions when it comes to self-driving cars. The good thing is that Waymo units have the least accidents recorded compared to its competitors. It also has the highest miles recorded. These Waymo units are so dependable that they are even allowed to operate ride-sharing services. This is only available in Arizona for the meantime.

Pros:

• The Waymo has the highest recorded testing miles compared to its competing manufacturers.
• It is classified as a fully-operating autonomous vehicle.
• It has comparably fewer accidents compared to competing manufacturers.

Cons:

• Most of the test they performed was in friendly areas. This includes Arizona where their ride-sharing service is currently available.

Waymo units have the least accidents recorded compared to its competitors

>>> Check out: 

• Debunking the 5 common myths about driverless cars.
• Components of self-driving cars that allow self-navigation.

2. The GM Cruise

The well-known automaker drastically fell off the competition when competitors like Waymo took off. Fortunately, their intelligent decision to purchase the Cruise Automation led them back on track. In fact, this autonomous car from General Motors proved itself to be one of the best.

Audi vehicles were the first beneficiaries of the Cruise Automation. They used to make self-driving kits for the automaker. It was not long before this GM subsidiary shifted its focus. Later on, they used their technology on vehicles like the Chevy Bolt instead.

This autonomous car from General Motors proved itself to be one of the best

Aside from introducing real driverless cars to the public, General Motors also offers us a self-driving system. They call this the Super Cruise. The drawback of this system is that it only works on smooth highways. It also relies on the mapping work performed by General Motors.

The Super Cruise is capable of driving a vehicle without a human driver. The only problem is that the highway should be supported by the system. You can still enjoy the vehicle even if your chosen highway isn’t in the map’s system. You will have to drive it by yourself, though.

Pros:

• GM’s self-driving cars were jump-started after they acquired the Cruise Automation.
• General Motors has demonstrated amazing driverless functionality. This is all thanks to their Super Cruise system.

Cons:

• General Motors was too quick to fall out of the competition. It is only thanks to the Cruise Automation that they got back on track.
• It has more accidents than most of its competitors. This was according to the test that they conducted in California.
• The Super Cruise system is fenced. It will only work on the system’s approved highways.

The Super Cruise is capable of driving a vehicle without a human driver

>>> Also check:

• Self-driving car: 9 advantages for Filipino drivers.
• 5 reasons why people should embrace self-driving cars.

3. The Daimler Intelligent Drive

The name “Daimler” is one of the leading names when it comes to driverless cars. Sadly, the automaker’s efforts aren’t enough to scoot to the front of the line. The brand is also closer to the hearts of European car owners than Americans. This is because most of the necessary tests that were necessary were conducted in Europe.

When it comes to the Daimler’s self-driving experience, it offers a comparable experience to those present in Mercedes vehicles. The Daimler self-driving car uses Intelligent Drive. This is similar to the adaptive cruise control. The only difference is that it’s more advanced.

The name “Daimler” is one of the leading names when it comes to driverless cars

It can independently recognize obstructions on the road and avoid them. The smart car can also determine if an obstruction is inanimate or a pedestrian. But unlike the first vehicles we discussed, the Daimler still needs human interaction (a driver).

The manufacturer has already made an official statement. They publicly announced their plans with their level 5 autonomy units. Their self-driving cars will be used for ride-sharing services.

Pros:

• The Mercedes models that are equipped with Intelligent Drive systems can work almost completely driverless.
• Their test vehicles reach the highest level on the autonomy scale.

Cons:

• A lot of the conducted tests were taken in friendly streets in Europe.
• The self-driving plans that they want to produce in the future are limited to level 3 autonomy.