Mandatory Adas systems, all the benefits and impact on prices

The goal is to achieve zero road fatalities in 2050, so yes, ADAS are pushing in this direction. The new legislation aims to bring vehicles onto the market that can take care of the driver and passengers, warning them of possible dangers, monitoring their state of alertness, onset of drowsiness and driving style. Thus increasing the prevention of possible accidents.

In this vein, the legislation provides for the use of additional sensors, by means of cameras inside the passenger compartment. One of the main innovations concerns the obligation for manufacturers to prepare the vehicle for the possible installation - even after the vehicle has been placed on the market - of 'alcohol test' systems equipped with sensors that block the car and prevent it from starting if a blood alcohol level above the legal limits is detected, or even the introduction of a standardised black box to collect data on the condition of the vehicle in the event of road accidents.

However, the driver must be helped to keep his concentration on the road. In fact, over-reliance on automatic intervention systems can lead to a decrease in the attention threshold. They are actually useful over long distances, on infrastructure where most vehicles are equipped with similar systems, because they make driving more pleasant and softer. In a mixed traffic situation, such as a city, driving can be more stressful, but still safer because they decrease the reaction time to a sudden event.

How far have Adas evolved technologically in recent years?

In recent years, ADAS have evolved in several respects. Firstly, miniaturised sensors are now used, which are much more powerful than in the past. Computing power then doubles every 18 months, and this constant improvement is complemented by new algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI), which are much more reliable in processing the information gathered, warning and, if necessary, intervening in the event of danger or unusual driving behaviour. Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (the adaptive cruise control system) and lane keeping (the lane keeping assistance system), for example, have become extremely accurate. All these elements mean that ADAS are becoming more and more active: they do not just signal danger, but implement strategies to prevent it or correct a driving style detected as 'abnormal'.

Can you make a ranking of the most useful, if not indispensable ones?

Ranking ADAS according to usefulness is complex, because the importance of these systems often depends on driving conditions and driving style. There are ADAS systems that increase the driver's perception of his surroundings more than others, such as AEB (automatic braking in an emergency), ACC (adaptive cruise control) and blind spot monitoring systems. Automatic windscreen wipers or auto headlamp adjustment are also extremely useful in special conditions.

Do motorists really use them?

When the car is switched on, the systems are all active. Some ADAS may be disabled by the user himself, but when the car is restarted, they will be active again, according to the regulations in force as of 7 July 2024. Others, such as emergency braking, cannot be disabled. The aim of the legislation, however, is precisely to stimulate their appropriate and regular use.

And for car manufacturers? What does the entry into force of the EU Regulation change?

By now, ADAS technologies are already present in all car manufacturers. The Regulation will further accelerate the shift, already under way, of ADAS from an optional extra to a standard vehicle feature. There will, therefore, be greater and more comprehensive deployment across all market classes, including the entry level.

Could compulsory installation also on city cars push up the price of cars, which is already too expensive for many, as in the case of electric cars?

Most accidents happen in cities, so it is right to intervene in this market segment with systems that can prevent collisions, such as the emergency braking system or the blind spot monitoring system.

In addition, the technology will continue to fall in price, so a decrease in the unit cost of individual installed ADAS systems can be expected.

Finally, mobility in cities is changing and will continue to change in the coming years. One of the trends is shared mobility, moving towards a concept of mobility as a service and no longer just as ownership. At this point, the additional cost of ADAS systems can be included in the service and rental cost, spreading it over all customers and thus reducing the impact on the individual user.