Back to Glossary

Autonomous Driving

Also known as: Self-Driving Cars, Driverless Technology, Automated Driving

Autonomous driving refers to the development and operation of vehicles capable of navigating and controlling themselves with minimal or no human input. This technology relies on a combination of advanced sensors (such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR), artificial intelligence, GPS mapping, and powerful onboard computers to interpret the environment and make driving decisions.

Levels of autonomy range from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Current consumer vehicles mostly feature Level 2 systems, where the car can steer, accelerate, and brake under supervision but still requires the driver’s attention.

Higher levels, like Level 4 and 5, are being tested but are not yet widely available. For consumers, autonomous driving promises benefits such as reduced accidents, increased mobility for non-drivers, and more efficient traffic flow.

For businesses, it has the potential to revolutionize logistics, ride-hailing, and public transportation by lowering costs and improving safety. However, challenges remain in technology reliability, regulatory approval, ethical decision-making, and public acceptance.

Safety concerns, liability issues, and the massive investment required for infrastructure and data processing also slow adoption. Automakers and tech companies see autonomous driving as a transformative shift, but timelines remain uncertain.

Ultimately, autonomous driving illustrates the future of mobility, blending AI, connectivity, and human trust into one of the most ambitious goals in automotive history.

Example

A tech company tests fully autonomous shuttles in a downtown district. The vehicles navigate traffic, stop for pedestrians, and adjust to traffic signals without human drivers, providing efficient shared mobility.

See how this affects your loan