The 2021 Ford F-150 Adds Expensive Hands-Free Tech
Something to never say in a Ford F-150 is, “Look, Mom, no hands!” In fact, that should never be said by any driver! But the 2021 Ford F-150 is coming with hands-free driving technology that could make it safer.
The 2021 Ford Ford F-150 gains hands-free driving tech
According to AutoBlog, Ford has confirmed that the 2021 F-150 will incorporate hands-free driving technology. Upper-level trims that are available with Co-Pilot 360 will have various electronic driver aids, including Active Drive Assist.
This technology has already been announced for the Ford Mustang Mach-E and allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while traveling on the 100,000 miles of American highways that Ford mapped out.
The Active Drive Assist system uses a camera and radar-based technologies to keep the Ford F-150 center in its lane while traveling at a predetermined speed. AutoBlog explains it as adaptive cruise control meets lane-keeping assistance.
But keep in mind that this does not make the 2021 Ford F-150 a fully autonomous car. It will not drive for you. You will need to keep your eyes on the road at all times. Plus, a front-facing camera will be monitoring your eyes in case you get distracted.
Which Ford F-150 models have Active Drive Assist?
To get the Ford F-150 Active Drive Assist software, you will need to order the Limited trim. The hardware will come standard. You can also add this hardware to the Ford F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, or Platinum trims for $895. This includes the $100 deduction as an early adoption incentive.
Then you will have to spend $600 to purchase the software, bringing your total to about $1,495. Once purchased, your truck will magically receive an over the air software update.
The update will occur when the feature is ready toward the third quarter of 2021. By that point, the hardware and software will come bundled together for about $1,595.
The Ford F-150 Active Drive Assist feature will come with a three-year service period. After that, drivers can choose to continue using the software and receive map updates to gain more hands-free driving zones for a monthly service fee.
This seems pretty expensive for being able to take your hands off the wheel. Also, it’s unclear if drivers can purchase the system later. Full details about the software, plan, and costs will be announced later.
What’s new in tech for the 2021 Ford F-150?
The Active Drive Assist feature isn’t the only thing to be excited about. The 2021 Ford F-150 has tons of new tech to enjoy, including drive and passenger seats that fold completely flat for naps.
You can get the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid later this year, and an electric F-150 is on the way. Plus, the F-150 has a new onboard generator to power various devices, including your RV, on camping trips.
The gear shifter can level itself and fold flat to create a table or work surface. Plus, the multi-functional tailgate has a flat surface for writing, a built-in ruler, tablet holder, coffee cup holder, and more.
