Soon, a hands-free version is available for highway traffic.
The Lucid Air has finally entered production. It’s now a strong competitor to Tesla within the luxury EV segment. Without some autonomous tech, it’s impossible to compete with Tesla. But, we now know what Lucid has in its corner. Say hello to DreamDrive.
This is Lucid’s version a comprehensive driver-assist program to compete with not only Tesla’s Autopilot but also advanced systems like GM Super Cruise and Ford BlueCruise. Lucid has not yet claimed that this system is hands-free, but it does include 32 sensors, including four surround-view cameras and five radars. Lucid will offer a DreamDrive Pro version that includes LIDAR, just like its competitors. It won’t launch without hands-free capabilities.
It will be launched with nearly every driver-assist software you would expect, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering functionality. Lucid calls Highway Assist. Traffic jam mode is available at speeds between 40 mph and a dead stop. Lucid uses its 21-speaker sound system for directional alerts and features such as cross-traffic protection front or rear and autonomous emergency brakes. Autopark mode can handle parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers. The system will automatically turn your front wheels to the curb or towards it for safety when parking on hills. It all depends on the direction.
DreamDrive has a variety of monitors to ensure that the driver is alert and attentive. An infrared camera monitors everything, from blinking to eye movement. If it determines that the driver isn’t paying attention, the system will bring the vehicle to an abrupt halt and activate the hazard lights. It also emits a loud tone. It would likely only go that far in the event of a medical emergency behind a wheel. The system will also set the emergency brake and unlock the doors to allow first responders to do their life-saving work.
DreamDrive is working towards hands-free operation. DreamDrive Pro includes the LIDAR sensor and the upgraded hardware that allows you to use more recent software updates, which Lucid claims are in development.
Dr. Eugene Lee is the senior director of ADAS and autonomous driver at Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors has the capability to create new functionality for DreamDrive Pro thanks to its highly integrated software and hardware teams. This will benefit all aspects of DreamDrive Pro’s experience, including the frequency of updates and the planned rollout the Highway Pilot system that conditionally automates driving on selected roads in the future.