Six levels of ADAS/AD systems Source: Authors, adapted from the six levels of vehicle automation defined in SAE J3016.2Definition of ADAS/AD levels BOX 1 Vehicle automation is classified into different levels that differentiate the extent of automation, the driver’s involvement and where the respective system can be used – the so-called operational design domain (ODD). This classification reflects the technological progress and helps ensure clarity about the technology’s capabilities and liability. To make the technological differences even clearer, the levels are further subdivided according to the driver’s required activities, namely whether it is required to hold the steering wheel in their hands, keep their eyes on the road or focus their mind on the driving environment (e.g., whether sleeping is allowed). Level 4 is the first level considered autonomous. That is, where the driver has no driving tasks in the operating design domain specified. For L4 in private vehicles, this white paper differentiates between L4 Highway and L4 Urban, since, due to the greater complexities of urban areas, AD capabilities are expected to become commonplace sooner in highway settings. Explanation Sample features Hands-on Eyes-on Mind-onAssistedL0 Manual –Safety warnings or temporary assistance –Driver retains all driving tasks –Automatic emergency braking –Lane departure warning L1 Assisted driving –Steering OR speed control by the system –Driver remains hands-on and eyes-on –Adaptive cruise control (ACC) –Lane-keeping assist system (LKAS) L2 Partially automated driving –Steering AND speed control by the system –Driver remains hands-on and eyes-on –Coupled ACC & LKAS L2+/++ Advanced partially automated driving –Steering AND speed control by the system –Driver remains eyes-on –Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) Driver must be able to immediately take full control whenever requestedAutomatedL3 Automated driving under conditions –System drives under pre-defined conditions –Driver needs to step in within ~10 seconds upon system request –Traffic jam pilot –Valet parking Critical change: liability switches from the driver to the systemAutonomousL4 Autonomous driving under conditions –System drives under pre-defined conditions –No take-over by the driver is required (within the ODD) –Autonomous driving in approved ODDs Can differentiate between L4 Highway and L4 Urban, due to their different complexities L5 Autonomous driving in all conditions –System drives in all conditions –No take-over by the driver is required –Ubiquitous autonomous driving Driver System Autonomous Vehicles: Timeline and Roadmap Ahead 6

Autonomous Vehicles 2025