Next Volvo XC90 to get hands-free Ride Pilot

Volvo has confirmed the incoming new-generation all-electric 2022 Volvo XC90 will debut its advanced Ride Pilot autonomous cruise control system that offers hands-free driving, but only in specific environments.

Initially, the Geely-owned Swedish brand will only offer the high-tech autonomous driving system in the US state of California, where trials will take place ahead of its launch in the middle of this year.

Once verified for use by the state it will be integrated into the XC90's production.

Instead of a traditional optional extra, the Volvo will offer its Ride Pilot as an add-on subscription service.

Developed to "free up more time for customers and make driving a Volvo even more convenient and enjoyable", the system is expected to reflect the all-electric SUV's Level 3 autonomous capability.

Volvo has not explicitly explained who is legally liable in the event of a crash involving Ride Pilot.

Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed that it will take responsibility if an accident occurs in its Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan while driving autonomously.

Volvo's system, meanwhile, has been developed in-house in conjunction with self-driving sensor-maker Luminar Technologies and autonomous software specialist Zensact.

No timeframe has been shared for when Ride Pilot will become available on the new XC90, nor how much it will cost on an a monthly, annual or single-use basis.

Volvo has confirmed Ride Pilot will only be made available once it has gone through a “rigorous verification and testing protocol”. 

Key to unlocking the driverless capability on the highway is Luminar's latest LiDAR sensor that helps provide a three-dimensional map of the road ahead.

Assisting the LiDAR are a further five radar sensors, eight cameras, 16 ultrasonic sensors and Zensact's advanced software.

It you're wondering why California and not Sweden is the first market in the world primed for Ride Pilot, Volvo said the US state's "climate, traffic conditions and regulatory framework provide a favourable environment for the introduction of autonomous driving".

When the next XC90 arrives later this year it is understood to be based on Volvo's all-new SPA2 platform that will offer pure-electric powertrains and petrol-electric hybrids. It's not known if the latter will eventually get Ride Pilot.