Mercedes-Benz has been given permission to test turquoise-colored lights on its cars in the US to indicate when the vehicle is in self-driving mode, as part of their efforts to explore the integration of autonomous vehicles on the roads.
The distinctive turquoise color, a lighter hue of blue, was chosen because it won’t be mistaken for police lights or regular lights on a car. Mercedes said its use is meant to help ease drivers into sharing the road with self-driving vehicles.
It will also help anyone passing these cars, cops included, not be alarmed when they see the person behind the steering wheel with their hands off and their eyes off the road.
The turquoise self-driving lights have received approval in both California and Nevada, making them the only states to certify Drive Pilot.
Mercedes will be allowed to test turquoise indicators in their vehicles in California for a period of two years, beginning in early 2024. These indicators will be integrated into the headlights, tail lights, and side mirrors of the test vehicles.
Nevada has given the green light for the utilization of the lights in two of Mercedes’ upcoming car models, specifically the 2026 EQS and S-class sedans.
Mercedes has introduced a self-driving mode called “Drive Pilot” that has been certified as SAE Level 3. This means that drivers are not required to constantly watch the road when the mode is activated. They can even remove their hands and feet from the controls, although they must be ready to take control when necessary.
Currently, Drive Pilot only allows this level of autonomy at speeds below 40 miles per hour.
Although Mercedes has some limitations, it is outperforming competitors like Tesla, whose Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems only operate at SAE Level 2 and require drivers to remain vigilant and keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Reference- Inside EVs, CNN story, Car and Driver, Mercedes-Benz website