Lucid Motors will roll out hands-free highway driving this month

Lucid Motors is gearing up to launch a significant software update on July 30, enabling hands-free highway driving capabilities for its Air sedan models. This advancement marks a pivotal moment for the company’s advanced driver assistance system, placing Lucid among a select group of manufacturers offering hands-free driving technology in the United States. Similar systems have been developed by other automakers, including Ford’s BlueCruise, General Motors’ Super Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, although the latter is not as widely accessible. Tesla also provides a form of hands-free driving through its Full Self-Driving feature, but only under specific conditions and in vehicles equipped with an in-cabin camera. Currently, the hands-free driving functionality will be exclusive to the Air sedans, with plans for an update for the new Gravity SUV expected later this year. However, deliveries of the Gravity SUVs have just begun, with reports indicating only five units were delivered in the second quarter, according to Cox Automotive. To utilize the hands-free feature, drivers must have purchased the Air sedan with the optional $2,500 “Dream Drive Pro” package, which includes an extensive suite of 32 sensors, such as lidar, radar, cameras, and ultrasonics. Lucid has not disclosed the number of customers who have opted for this package. Since 2021, Lucid has delivered approximately 20,000 vehicles. While using the hands-free system, drivers are required to remain attentive, ready to take control at any moment, a protocol similar to that of competing systems. This will be monitored through a camera positioned above the steering column. Additionally, the hands-free driving capability will only function on designated compatible divided highways. Further details are awaited from Lucid Motors, with TechCrunch committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.