Stellantis Promises New Level 2++ Hands-Free Driving System

Stellantis first revealed its Level 3 AutoDrive autonomous driving system in February last year. At the time, the automaker said the technology was already production-ready, but the company chose not to rush its launch because the market for advanced self-driving systems was still developing.

Later that summer, reports surfaced claiming Stellantis had scaled back work on the project. High development costs, technical challenges, and uncertainty about consumer demand were cited as the main reasons behind the decision.

Now, Stellantis and British tech company Wayve have announced plans to develop a new Level 2++ autonomous driving system based on Wayve’s AI Driver technology. This level of automation is often described as “door-to-door” driving, meaning the vehicle can handle most driving tasks on its own while the driver remains attentive and ready to intervene if necessary.

Founded in 2017, Wayve has quickly become one of the leading players in AI-powered automated driving technology. Its software allows vehicles to navigate complex environments without relying on pre-mapped roads and can operate across different vehicle platforms without being tied to specific hardware setups.

The new system is designed to provide hands-free automated driving under driver supervision on highways as well as city streets. Stellantis says the experience should feel intuitive, natural, and safe, while future software updates are expected to make the technology even more advanced over time.

The first Stellantis model equipped with the new autonomous system is scheduled to arrive in North America in 2028, although the company has not yet revealed which vehicle will debut the technology.

A working prototype has already been built, and development reportedly took less than two months. Externally, the SUV looks nearly identical to a standard Jeep Grand Cherokee, though additional cameras have been integrated into the side mirrors and windshield area.

At the same time, Stellantis also introduced a less advanced alternative developed with technology from Qualcomm. The upgraded Snapdragon Ride Pilot driver assistance suite will support a wide range of features, from core safety systems to Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities.

The Qualcomm-based system is expected to launch as early as next year and will eventually be offered across multiple Stellantis models.