In recent years, the automotive industry has made significant strides in advancing vehicle technology, and the advancements are moving at a rapid pace. At Mike White Ford, one of our jobs is to stay current on these innovations, and, in all honesty, it is pretty challenging to keep up with all the new Ford technologies that are making driving safer, more efficient, more comfortable, and more convenient.
One of Ford’s most intriguing technological developments is BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system that aims to revolutionize the driving experience. BlueCruise was introduced in 2021 in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but it is now available on certain models of the Explorer, F-150 Lightning, and, of course, the Mustang Mach-E.
But what exactly is Ford BlueCruise, and how does it work?
Understanding Ford BlueCruise
Ford BlueCruise is a semi-autonomous driving technology that offers hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, making long drives more comfortable and less stressful for drivers. BlueCruise is part of Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ Technology suite, which includes a range of driver-assistance features to enhance safety and convenience on the road.
The BlueCruise system enables drivers, under certain conditions, to remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving. BlueCruise technology provides a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving. However, it is essential to note that BlueCruise is not a fully autonomous system. It requires drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control if necessary.
How Ford BlueCruise Works
- Pre-Mapped Highways: One key component of Ford BlueCruise is its reliance on pre-mapped highways. Ford has meticulously mapped over 130,000 miles of North American highways, known as “Hands-Free Blue Zones.” These maps are crucial for the system’s operation, providing detailed information about road conditions, speed limits, and lane markings.
- Advanced Sensor Technology: Ford BlueCruise utilizes a combination of features to enable BlueCruise’s capabilities, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. These sensors work together to detect other vehicles, lane markings, and obstacles. The system can then make real-time decisions about speed, lane positioning, and following distance.
- Driver Monitoring System: While BlueCruise allows for hands-free driving, it requires drivers to stay attentive. A driver-facing camera monitors the driver’s eye movements and head position to ensure they pay attention to the road. If the system detects that the driver is not attentive, it will issue alerts and, if necessary, prompt the driver to take control of the vehicle.
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Centering: Ford BlueCruise builds on existing technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane-Centering. ACC adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, while Lane-Centering keeps the vehicle within its lane. BlueCruise combines these features with hands-free capability, allowing for a smoother, more relaxed driving experience.
- Over-the-Air Updates: One of the advantages of Ford BlueCruise is its ability to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. This means that Ford can continuously improve the system and add new features without requiring a visit to the dealership. As more highways are mapped and the technology evolves, BlueCruise will become even more capable and reliable.
Benefits of Ford BlueCruise
Ford BlueCruise represents a significant step forward in the evolution of semi-autonomous driving technology for those who want to utilize automated driving systems and for the convenience of drivers who engage in extended highway driving. By combining advanced sensors, pre-mapped highways, and robust driver monitoring, Ford has created a system that enhances the driving experience while maintaining safety and reliability. While this system does not provide fully autonomous driving, Ford BlueCruise offers a glimpse into the future of driving, where technology and innovation work together to make our roads safer and our journeys more enjoyable.
To learn more about Ford BlueCruise or to check out all the innovations you can find in a new Ford vehicle, contact or visit Mike White Ford, with showrooms in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho.