Mercedes-Benz E-Class has become the world's first standard-production vehicle to be awarded a test licence for autonomous driving. Three standard-production E-Class vehicles have been approved to drive themselves in the US state of Nevada.
To allow autonomous driving functions to be tested, test vehicles previously had to be elaborately equipped with special hardware and software. This included additional sensors, modified steering and an adapted ESP. However, it is no longer the case with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For testing purposes, it is necessary merely to make some smaller software modifications to the Drive Pilot control unit.
"Nevada is proud to serve as the location where Daimler, an international automotive leader, can explore and test the possibilities of its cutting-edge autonomous vehicle," said Governor Brian Sandoval. "By collaborating with revolutionary, sustainable and creative endeavors Nevada is working to be at the forefront of emerging innovative technologies."
Self-driving tests are permitted on all interstates and state highways in Nevada, human drivers being required only for turning, merging and departing. The autonomous test drives in everyday traffic will be carried out by specially trained test drivers. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (NDMV) rules also stipulate that there must be one passenger behind the wheel and a second passenger in the vehicle on test drives. The test vehicles are identified by a red licence plate reserved for autonomous driving.
Nevada passed regulations on autonomous driving back in June 2011 and is seen as a pioneer for the same. Two self-driving Daimler trucks have been in operation on public roads since May 2015.
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