GM plans level 3 hands-free driving in 2028

General Motors will introduce hands-free, eyes-off level 3 driving to its Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028, the company announced.

The new system will work on all highways in the US and is based on technology similar to its existing Super Cruise feature.

Level 3 autonomy allows drivers to take their eyes off the road in specific situations but still requires them to take over when prompted.

The move comes as GM reduces its EV production after reporting a US$1.6 billion loss linked to the end of the federal EV tax credit.

Starting next year, GM plans to add Google’s Gemini AI as a voice assistant in its vehicles, with a custom in-house AI assistant to follow. Its new centralized computing platform, launching in 2028 with the Escalade IQ, will deliver faster updates and more processing power.

The company is also developing collaborative robots for factories and a new leasing model for its EV home energy system.

🔗 Source: The Verge

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Level 3 limits and rules cloud GM’s 2028 plan

GM says its Level 3 will work on all US highways by 2028 1. Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT, the first certified U.S. L3, runs on freeways in California and parts of Nevada at under 40 MPH in moderate to heavy traffic 1. It needs clear weather and daylight 1. It also needs lane markings with no construction 1.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not finalized its Automated Driving Systems (ADS) rules 2. It proposed safety and transparency rules in December 2024 2. Interstate L3 deployments face uncertainty.

V2G home energy leasing creates room for partners

GM’s 2026 home energy leasing model could tap $3B to $7B in stored energy each year from a fully electrified U.S. school bus fleet 3. It could attract partners like installers and energy aggregators (companies that pool distributed energy resources) that bundle Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) with utility programs. The U.S. ancillary services market could reach $17B by 2031 3.
New York’s Joint Utilities offers Load Management Technology Incentive Programs for energy storage integrated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) plus load management technologies 4. Vendors with Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR) conformance and Modbus compatibility can meet program rules 4. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) runs CES2G, an EV-to-grid pilot with 20 MW 5. It offers interconnection reimbursements up to the lesser of $150k or 75% for 4.8-kV, or up to $400k or 75% for 34.5-kV 5.