Stellantis plans to bring its Level 2++ hands-free driving system to North America in 2028. The company is already testing the technology in real traffic with Fiat 500e and Maserati Grecale prototypes. Industry sources, including Autonomous Vehicle International, report that the system can operate hands-free under driver supervision on highways and city streets.
Most current systems rely on detailed high-definition maps. Stellantis is taking a different approach with Wayve AI Driver, which uses camera-based sensing alongside radar, with LiDAR in some cases. The setup is intended to ease global rollout and keep costs down. The same technology is designed to work across many brands and vehicle types in the group. Automotive World reported the partnership in May 2026. The first commercial launch is planned for North America in 2028.
These STLA AutoDrive prototypes powered by Wayve go beyond technology demonstrations. Stellantis says the same core system can fit any model in its lineup, avoiding the need to build separate systems for each car. The company believes this approach will bring advanced driver assistance to more buyers across its brands. Sector analysts report that Stellantis wants to use a single technology base for Wayve AI Driver across all models and platforms.
The Level 2++ system is designed to offer door-to-door automation on highways and city streets. That would go beyond current hands-free systems, which often work only on mapped routes. The system is built for future updates and can adapt as rules and customer needs change. Official statements stress that Level 2++ is not full self-driving: the driver must watch the road at all times and be ready to take over.
The first production car to get the system has not been named. Stellantis has ruled out the redesigned Jeep Cherokee, which is due to start production in the second half of 2029. It will be the first U.S.-built car on the new STLA One platform, but it will not launch Level 2++.
Wayve’s AI Driver stands out because it works without maps. The company says this “simplifies the implementation” and “reduces costs.” That could make the technology easier to roll out worldwide. The system uses cameras and radar, with optional sensors as backup. This combination aims to balance safety with price, and automakers can adjust the sensor setup as needed.
Stellantis says the project addresses the mental strain of daily driving, with the aim of providing a smoother, more natural ride. Wayve’s AI is paired with Stellantis’ engineering and flexible vehicle platforms. The partnership aims to speed up advanced driver assistance while keeping safety and trust at the center. Industry observers see this as part of a broader move toward technology designed for customers instead of demonstrations.
Level 2 automation allows a car to handle some tasks, such as adaptive cruise control or parking, while the driver remains alert and in charge. Level 3, in which the car can make more decisions on its own, remains blocked by regulations in many countries. Stellantis’ Level 2++ aims to bridge the gap between today’s driver assistance and full self-driving.
The company’s plan reflects a wider shift in the automotive industry: away from one-off technology stunts and toward solutions that can scale while putting customers first. Recent coverage of rule changes and driver experience shows the industry is under pressure to deliver practical value instead of flashy features.
Stellantis is betting on an flexible system that can be updated and rolled out easily, rather than a flashy add-on. If drivers get safe, simple automation without being locked into expensive, map-based systems, it could change what they expect from their cars. The next two years will test whether the plan can move from test cars to daily use.
