What is the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic cars?
3 Answers
The main difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic cars is: an automatic transmission means the car shifts gears up and down by itself. In a semi-automatic (AMT), the gears do not change automatically; you must shift up and down manually, but there is no clutch. F1 racing cars are basically this type. Relevant information about the auto-hold function is as follows: 1. Introduction: Auto-hold, also known as AUTO-HOLD, refers to an automatic braking function. After activating this function, for example, when stopping at a red light, you don't need to pull the handbrake, which simplifies the operation by avoiding the use of the handbrake or electronic handbrake. For automatic transmission models, there's no need to frequently switch between D to N or D to P. 2. Working principle: The AUTO-HOLD function provides accurate parking force through a slope sensor controlled by the system. During startup, the parking control unit calculates information provided by the clutch distance sensor, clutch engagement speed sensor, throttle pedal sensor, etc. When the driving force exceeds the running resistance, the parking brake is automatically released, allowing the car to start smoothly.
The biggest difference between semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles lies in how much human intervention is required. Semi-autonomous cars, like those with adaptive cruise control or automatic parking, can help you control speed or park the car, but you can't completely take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road when driving on main roads. Last time I drove my friend's semi-autonomous SUV on the highway, it did save effort, but I still had to hit the brakes quickly when a car suddenly cut in. Fully autonomous vehicles are more impressive, as the system can take over the entire driving process. In theory, you just set a destination when you get in, and the car handles traffic lights, lane changes, and pedestrian avoidance on its own—no need to even touch the steering wheel. However, truly fully autonomous cars are still rare today, with the technology still in the testing phase, and many features are only available in specific areas.
To be honest, the driving experience between the two types of vehicles is completely different. Semi-autonomous cars feel like having a smart co-pilot - they can share some workload but shouldn't be fully trusted. For example, the adaptive cruise control might suddenly prompt you to take over the steering wheel during operation. Fully autonomous vehicles are like hiring a professional driver, allowing you to comfortably browse your phone or watch videos in the car. There's also a significant cost difference. Many semi-autonomous vehicles are currently available on the market, with prices starting from 100,000 to 200,000 yuan. However, retrofitting for full autonomy costs at least an additional 70,000 to 80,000 yuan, requiring special chips for HD map positioning, and involves complicated post-maintenance.
