How are autonomous driving levels classified?
2 Answers
Autonomous driving levels are divided into six levels based on different degrees, from zero to full automation. Here are the specific details: 1. L0 level autonomous driving: No automation, the throttle, brake, and steering wheel are all controlled by the driver throughout. 2. L1 level autonomous driving: Driver control is primary, with the system providing occasional assistance. 3. L2 level autonomous driving: Partial automation, the driver still needs to focus on the road conditions. 4. L3 level autonomous driving: Conditional automation, the system can automatically control the vehicle under most road conditions, and the driver's attention does not need to be focused on the road. 5. L4 level autonomous driving: High automation, with interfaces such as a steering wheel still provided for occasional driver control. 6. L5 level autonomous driving: Full automation, humans completely become passengers.
I get really excited when people talk about autonomous driving levels. The internationally recognized standard is the SAE classification with six levels. L0 is the simplest, purely manual driving where the car doesn’t help at all. L1 starts to get interesting, with single assistance functions like cruise control. L2 is what many cars today boast as autonomous driving—it can handle both steering and acceleration/deceleration, but the driver must monitor it at all times and keep hands on the wheel. L3 is a qualitative leap—the system can fully take over in specific scenarios, like letting you browse your phone in traffic, but you must take control within 10 seconds if the system requests it. L4 is even more advanced, allowing full autonomy in designated areas, but it fails outside mapped zones. The ultimate form, L5, can drive autonomously anywhere in any weather, without even needing a steering wheel. Currently, 99% of cars on the market are stuck at L2.