2021 Ford F-150 to introduce BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving
2021 Ford F-150 to introduce BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving
Posted on July 6, 2021
If you've thought that hands-free driving and self-driving vehicles were just for the Tesla, think again. Recently, Ford Motor Company announced its debut of hands-free driving technology. However, this exciting new feature would be available only on the 2021 Ford F-150 models that have Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Prep Package via Over-the-Air Update (OTA).
Later this year, drivers will be able to test this new technology with the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system.
How Did Ford Do Testing
F-150 pickups were taken on a testing route through the U.S and Canada that included 110,000 miles. Through this phase, they tested the truck in various weather and traffic conditions. One of Ford's officers stated that some of the testing had to be completed on the highway because it couldn't be replicated in a lab due to highway intricacies. This helped ensure a level of confidence for those who use BlueCruise technology.
How the System Works
How does Ford's driver-assisted system work? First, it uses advanced camera and radar-sensing equipment to scan the road accurately. Additionally, it integrates Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition to create a safe driving situation.
With the BlueCruise technology, you can drive hands-free as the vehicle uses a driver-facing camera to monitor the road. The system uses an SAE Level 2 driver-assist technology, which offers a Hands-Free mode. This means you won't have to keep your hands in contact with the steering wheel, unless prompted by vehicle alerts. Drivers get an alert when they need to return their attention to the road or begin operation of the vehicle themselves again.
There are certain areas in which you can operate the BlueCruise technology-- areas that have been tested. Currently, there are than 100,000 miles of highways that are eligible for BlueCruise system to work. You can talk to your sales advisor about the map of what highways you can drive on and use this innovative technology.
The BlueCruise system also features a Lane Centering mode that works on most roads that have lane lines. It assists vehicle with staying centered in the lane. When in this mode, you will need to keep your hands on the steering wheel though. You will get a visual prompt if you need to turn your attention back to the road again.
Ford has great plans for the future, too. They plan to create enhancements for a Lane Change Assist that will allow you to change lanes with just a tap of the turn signal indicator. Also, the Predictive Speed Assist will manage your vehicle speed for curves, hills, roundabouts, and etc.
Find a Ford F-150 in Vancouver
Discover the joy of driving a 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck today by stopping by Key West Ford. If you have this truck already and it has the Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0, you can upgrade to purchase the BlueCruise software. Currently Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 is standard on the F-150 Limited and is optional on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. Get in touch for more details today.