What does L2 mean?
2 Answers
L2 refers to semi-autonomous driving. Below are the differences between L2 and L3 in terms of autonomous driving levels: 1. L2 Level: L2 achieves semi-autonomous driving, allowing the vehicle to perform multiple functions, enabling drivers to take short breaks with their hands but still requiring them to be ready to take over driving tasks at any time. Functions included in L2 level are full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, active lane keeping, speed limit recognition, automatic lane changing, etc. 2. L3 Level: L3 allows the vehicle to perform partial autonomous driving operations in specific environments, and can determine whether to continue autonomous driving or return control to the driver based on road conditions. Reaching this level marks the true beginning of autonomous driving, where the vehicle can almost independently complete all driving operations, even allowing the driver to browse social media.
When I first got into automotive technology, I often heard people mention L2, which refers to the second level of autonomous driving. Simply put, it means some advanced systems can help you control the steering wheel and throttle, such as adaptive cruise control automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance, or lane centering assist keeping the car from drifting out of the lane. However, these are only partially automated—the driver must supervise at all times and cannot get distracted or doze off. Compared to L1, which only offers basic cruise control, L2 integrates multiple functions and is more intelligent. In daily driving, it can reduce fatigue on long trips, but I emphasize the importance of ensuring system updates and maintenance—dirty cameras or outdated software can cause functions to fail. When choosing a car, checking the configuration list for the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) label is crucial—don’t be misled by marketing jargon. In short, L2 is a driving assistant, not a cure-all; safety still relies on the human brain keeping a close eye on road conditions.