New Level of Autonomy
The autonomous driving field is constantly evolving, and today General Motors announced that owners of the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ will be able to use hands-free driving mode. This is just one part of the automaker’s new announcements, which also include integration with Google Gemini and vehicle-to-grid energy transfer technology.
Progress in Autonomous Driving
Many automakers talk about hands-free driving, but only a few have come close to implementing such technology. Currently, General Motors sells vehicles with a Level 2 autonomous Super Cruise system that can accelerate, brake, and change lanes.
However, it only functions on certain highways, and the driver must constantly pay close attention to the road situation. It is the Super Cruise system that lays the foundation for future hands-free driving.
To date, GM reports that Super Cruise has covered over five million miles without a single system-caused accident.
Intelligent Capabilities
The car of the future will not only allow driving without constant visual control but also use Google’s Gemini AI for various tasks. This includes changing vehicle settings, as well as the system’s ability to learn driver preferences. The function can be compared to an enhanced version of a memory settings button.
Instead of simply remembering seat and mirror positions, the system will be able to reconfigure media buttons, change display layouts, automatically route to usual destinations, and more.
The system launch is scheduled for next year – it will provide drivers with recommendations for one-pedal driving, monitor vehicle technical condition, and assist, for example, in finding dining locations.
Expanding Functionality
GM is not limited to just artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. The company also announced bidirectional charging for electric vehicles, integration with solar panels, and a stationary battery for home use.
Owners will be able to sell excess electricity back to the grid and buy it again when rates are lower.
Although electric vehicle sales growth rates have slowed, the technologies around them continue to improve, which is good news for consumers.
GM’s planned innovations demonstrate how a traditional automaker is adapting to industry changes by combining autonomous technologies, artificial intelligence, and energy solutions. Such developments could significantly change not only the way we interact with the car but also its role in the home energy system, especially in conditions of rising electricity prices and the need to stabilize power grids.