The latest report from IDTechEx, “Autonomous Vehicle Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis, Autonomous Cars, and Sensors,” highlights a key transition in self-driving technology—the move from Level 2+ to Level 3 automation.
This shift means that, under certain conditions, vehicles will be able to assume full control, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel and even their eyes off the road.
Manufacturers Leading the Charge
Several automakers have already begun rolling out Level 3 systems. According to elEconomista, Mercedes has introduced its “Drive Pilot” technology in Germany, California, and Nevada, with plans to increase its operational speed from 60 km/h to 95 km/h.
BMW has also received approval for Level 3 automation in its new 7 Series, set to launch in Germany this year.
Ford is currently testing Level 3 vehicles in controlled environments, with CEO Jim Farley predicting that this technology could be widely available by 2026.
Challenges and the Debate Over Level 2+ vs. Level 3
Despite the advancements, some manufacturers remain cautious. Level 2+ systems, which still require driver supervision, come with fewer legal and regulatory hurdles, making them a more attractive option for brands like Honda, BMW, and Mercedes.
Meanwhile, Level 4 autonomy is already being tested in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, San Francisco, and Phoenix, where companies like Waymo and Baidu are operating fully driverless robotaxis.
However, the ultimate goal—Level 5 autonomy, where cars drive themselves under all conditions without human intervention—remains a distant future.
As technology progresses, automakers face the challenge of balancing innovation with safety and regulatory approval, shaping the future of self-driving vehicles.
