The deployment of Level 3 and 4 autonomous vehicles is progressing gradually, or even very slowly, due to numerous constraints. The ALKS regulation, adopted in 2020, allows Level 3 autonomy up to 60 km/h on divided roads, with an initial application limited to traffic jams (Traffic Jam Chauffeur). The Honda Legend was the first model to be marketed with this technology in 2021, but only on a few highway sections in Japan. The Mercedes S-Class also offers a relatively limited Level 3 system in Germany. An extension of the regulation, currently under review, could allow autonomy up to 130 km/h with automated lane changes. However, technical, safety, and financial challenges are slowing the widespread deployment of these technologies. It is likely that commercial transport (shuttles, robot-taxis) will be the first to integrate them. This presentation aims to analyze these difficulties and explore possible solutions. The study focuses on private autonomous vehicles, although some technologies also apply to commercial vehicles. The goal is to identify the major obstacles explaining the slow adoption of Level 3 and 4 autonomous vehicles.

In this session, you will:

• Learn more about current ALKS regulations limit Level 3 autonomy to 60 km/h, with ongoing discussions to expand it to 130 km/h, but legal frameworks remain restrictive
• Get a better understanding of how sensor reliability, AI decision-making, and cybersecurity concerns are major hurdles in ensuring safe deployment
• Discover how high development costs and uncertain consumer demand slow down mass adoption, with commercial transport likely to lead the transition