Stellantis Debuts Self-Driving Feature—But With a Slow Start
Published: February 23rd, 2025.
In the race toward self-driving cars, Stellantis has stepped up with a new hands-free system called STLA AutoDrive 1.0—but there’s a catch. Unlike competitors that promise high-speed autonomy, this system works only up to 37 mph, making it more of a traffic jam assistant than a full-fledged self-driving experience.
The company recently showcased the technology but confirmed that, for now, it's not rolling it out for consumers. Instead, STLA AutoDrive 1.0 remains a work in progress, with Stellantis exploring ways to boost its capabilities, potentially increasing its speed limit to 59 mph and even incorporating off-road functionality.
STLA AutoDrive 1.0 offers SAE Level 3 autonomy, meaning the driver can take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road—but only in specific conditions. The system is designed for congested urban areas, where stop-and-go traffic dominates the daily commute. The goal? It lets drivers reclaim time usually lost behind the wheel—whether reading emails, watching a quick video, or relaxing while the car handles the slow crawl ahead.
But while it sounds futuristic, there are limitations. The speed cap means it won’t be helping on highways anytime soon, and Stellantis hasn’t confirmed when or if it will be integrated into vehicles available for purchase.
Once the system detects suitable road and traffic conditions, drivers are notified that STLA AutoDrive is available. By pressing a button, the system takes over steering, speed control, following distance, and braking, allowing for a hands-free experience.
The technology is said to function in low-light conditions and even poor weather, adding an extra layer of reliability. However, the system isn’t a permanent chauffeur. Drivers must remain ready to take over when needed, as Level 3 automation still requires human intervention in certain situations.
Stellantis has been deliberate and measured in its approach to self-driving technology. While rivals like Tesla and Mercedes have aggressively pushed out advanced driver assistance systems, Stellantis chooses to wait until market conditions align before launching STLA AutoDrive commercially.
In a statement, Stellantis acknowledged that the technology is fully developed but not yet ready for deployment due to the limited market for Level 3 autonomy. Instead of rushing a product to market, they are holding back to assess demand, regulatory developments, and industry shifts before making the next move.
The company remains committed to evolving the system, with future upgrades expected to include higher speed capabilities and even off-road driving modes. STLA AutoDrive's modular nature suggests that it could eventually be adapted for different vehicles and global markets, allowing for a broader rollout when the time is right.
For now, Stellantis is playing the long game, ensuring its autonomous driving tech is robust and market-ready before making it widely available. While the prospect of fully self-driving cars still feels distant, STLA AutoDrive 1.0 offers a glimpse of what’s coming—one slow, cautious step at a time.