What does L2 mean?
2 Answers
L2 level autonomous driving refers to partial autonomous driving, defined by SAE as "the vehicle provides steering and acceleration/deceleration support for multiple operations, while the driver is responsible for the remaining driving actions." Simply put, L2 level autonomous driving can simultaneously perform acceleration, deceleration, and steering operations during driving. However, throughout the entire driving process, the driver must remain attentive, continuously monitor the surrounding driving environment, and be ready to take over the vehicle at any time. More information about L2 level autonomous driving is as follows: Functions of L2 level autonomous driving: Features like adaptive cruise control, AEB active braking system, and lane-keeping assist are the "basic" functions of L2 level autonomous driving, along with a series of driving assistance functions suitable for different scenarios. Precautions when using L2 level autonomous driving: L2 level autonomous driving is composed of a series of assistance functions that can aid in steering, acceleration/deceleration, and braking, among others. However, it is important to note that these functions are designed for assisted driving and should not be fully relied upon.
I've driven a car with Level 2 autonomous driving for several years and feel it's more of a driving assistant system. Simply put, Level 2 represents partial automation: the car can control speed and direction on its own, such as adaptive cruise control maintaining following distance, and lane-keeping assist preventing drift. However, as the driver, I must remain fully attentive to road conditions with hands on the wheel at all times. It works well only in specific scenarios like highways or slow-moving traffic to reduce fatigue, but may fail during sharp turns or severe weather. I appreciate the convenience it brings, especially reducing stress on long drives, yet I must always be ready to take over to prevent issues when the system suddenly disengages. From a safety perspective, Level 2 isn't fully autonomous—it relies on cameras and radar that can misjudge obstacles. Overall, it's a practical feature that makes driving easier but must be used responsibly.