Autonomous Driving / Self-Driving on 2027 Scout EV?

[Stumpy]

Did I miss it or there was no mention of any autonomous driving level or self-driving functions? I assume the 2027 Scout EVs will have some autonomous driving capabilities (especially with the next 2-3 years of technological advancement in this area).

Should we assume that we'll get whatever Rivian's autonomous driving abilities may be in 2027?

 

[Scout997]

I was a bit surprised they didn’t mention anything on autonomous driving. Part of me wishes its because they‘re not going down the endless monetezation path. But that also assumes VW gave them $5B out of the kindness of their hearts. They want a return and monetization gets them that. The more sensors and cameras they add per vehicle the more expensive the MSRP needs to be.

Long story still long, I’d say it’s unlikely to get more autonomous driving features than what Rivian has today. My bet is software and telematics will be as close to Rivian Gen 2 vehicles as possible to keep costs low.

 

[Foobar]

Since they're leveraging Rivian's software, I suspect they'll get the Driver Assist functionality at least. It's not going to navigate a Costco parking lot or local side streets like Tesla's FSD, but for highway driving (which is where I rely on it most), it's pretty good.

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

I assumed no when the CEO? mentioned no AI driving aids. But who knows.

 

[Stumpy]

I assumed no when the CEO? mentioned no AI driving aids. But who knows.

Interesting... I'd be very surprised if they didn't have any driving aids at all on the Scout EV - not even something basic like lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control.

 

[STACHES]

Interesting... I'd be very surprised if they didn't have any driving aids at all on the Scout EV - not even something basic like lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control.

Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning (adaptive cruise) are required in the US by 2029, and they will probably include lane assist in that as well. It will get really expensive if they don't include it from the get-go. And honestly, 2027 is probably optimistic, 2028/2029 puts them right up against the requirement.

 

[Rouse]

It doesn't seem like driver assistance tech will be the focus for Scout, which makes sense given the type of vehicle it is, but it will definitely have modern driver assistance features (it would be almost impossible to sell a modern vehicle for $60k+ to a wide enough segment of the market without any).

I think a good bet is that in a couple years they will come with something like this:

https://rivian.com/support/article/what-features-are-included-in-the-rivian-autonomy-platform

Lagging behind a couple years from a brand like Rivian, to keep prices down, but still a competitive suite of features. Its also possible it will be almost exactly what is standard on something like Rivian in two to three years (likely similar to their current optional Autonomy Platform+).

 

[TheShark]

It doesn't seem like driver assistance tech will be the focus for Scout, which makes sense given the type of vehicle it is, but it will definitely have modern driver assistance features (it would be almost impossible to sell a modern vehicle for $60k+ to a wide enough segment of the market without ny).

I'd agree, you may not have autonomous driving but you aren't going to sell a vehicle that touts tech like the Harvester option and not have the basics like lane assist and ACC. People buy these things for the tech.

 

[Trailguide79]

Lane keep assist and Adaptive Cruise Control aren't AI exclusive features.

They have been on regular production vehicles since well before 2011.

These systems can be enhanced with AI, but some are confusing that these safety systems NEED AI (which they do not) when its technology that has been around for well over 15 years and quite effective without it.

 

[smrpilot]

I for one hope that it does not have anymore autonomy than is required by the DOT.

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

I do love adaptive cruise control, so I'd cast a vote for it to have that.

I'm an enthusiast and I enjoy driving, so I don't need full self driving or anything like that. I'd likely never get my money's worth out of something like that since I'd be inclined to still just drive myself.

 

[prattm1964]

Keep it simple. Meaning, if the government isn't forcing it to be there, don't put it in. The more electronics that are added, the more problems down the line.

 

[prattm1964]

I'd agree, you may not have autonomous driving but you aren't going to sell a vehicle that touts tech like the Harvester option and not have the basics like lane assist and ACC. People buy these things for the tech.

You think having a backup engine is tech?

 

[TheShark]

You think having a backup engine is tech?

Maybe tech isn't exactly the right phrase but I don't see anyone else adding a backup generator to their EV's. My point is you don't have refrigerated center consoles and cabana roofs and don't offer ACC. My Maverick has ACC for crying out loud.

 

[Mousehunter]

I think it is kind of relevant to differentiate between low cost (not price) items that are often used as high margin add ons for market segmentation and actual high cost add ons. I grew up, even intermittent wipers were a fairly expensive options - abet they cost the car manufacturer little. Eventually they have essentially become standard features. Now rain sensing wipers are probably in the same place - low cost to add, but often part of a fairly high margin package. The same goes for adaptive cruise control, and honestly, now most driving assistance systems. VW has IQ Drive with Travel Assist. I doubt it cost them much to put on a vehicle - but the question is will they use it as a market segmentation tool, or just make it standard.

On the flip side, a built in winch is something entirely different. It will will have a far more significant manufacturing cost than some already existing software and a couple sensors. Plus it will have a weight cost as well. I can easily see it having little business being standard equipment. IQ Drive as standard equipment really would not hurt any potential buyers, and not having it WILL cost some sales - not to mention potential resale value. A factory installed winch - not so much. Some will not want the weight penalty, others will probably want to use their choice of aftermarket winch anyway. After market driver assist - now that is a tad harder.
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The only real question that might be a downside of having IQ Drive standard is if it can be turned off (which I don't think is an issue). I can tell you my ACC on my F250 in all practical purposes can not be turned off - that is to say, I can tell it to turn off - but if the system is not working, it disables all cruise control. That is really annoying if the sensor gets mud on it.