Cruise primarily uses autonomous vehicles derived from the Chevy Bolt EV platform. These vehicles are specially modified and integrated to function as fully autonomous vehicles within Cruise's operations.
Understanding Cruise's Autonomous Fleet
Cruise autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not simply off-the-shelf cars; they are sophisticated, self-driving systems built upon a robust automotive foundation. General Motors, a key partner and manufacturer, produces the base vehicles that Cruise transforms into its self-driving fleet.
The Foundation: Chevy Bolt EV
The core of Cruise's current autonomous fleet is built upon the Chevy Bolt EV. This all-electric vehicle provides a modern, efficient, and reliable platform that is well-suited for the extensive modifications required for autonomous driving. By starting with an electric vehicle, Cruise can leverage the benefits of electric propulsion while integrating its advanced technology.
Beyond the Standard Vehicle
While the Chevy Bolt EV serves as the base, Cruise AVs undergo significant transformation. They are developed as fully-integrated autonomous vehicles, meaning the self-driving hardware and software are deeply interwoven with the vehicle's original systems. This integration ensures seamless operation and safety.
Key Modifications
The process of converting a standard Chevy Bolt EV into a Cruise AV involves substantial additions and modifications:
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Numerous sensors, including cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors, are installed around the vehicle to provide a 360-degree view of its surroundings. These sensors are crucial for perceiving the environment, detecting objects, and understanding traffic conditions.
- High-Performance Computing Hardware: Powerful on-board computers are integrated to process the vast amounts of data collected by the sensors in real-time. This computing power enables the vehicle to make instantaneous decisions necessary for safe navigation.
- Specialized Wiring and Control Systems: The vehicle's electrical and control systems are extensively modified to allow the autonomous driving software to control steering, acceleration, braking, and other vehicle functions directly.
Safety and Integration
A critical aspect of Cruise's approach is the rigorous testing and validation of these modified vehicles. After the addition and installation of all Cruise AV hardware, the vehicles are thoroughly tested to ensure they meet and exceed all motor vehicle safety requirements. This comprehensive validation process is essential for deploying autonomous technology safely on public roads.
The table below summarizes key aspects of the vehicles Cruise utilizes:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Chevy Bolt EV platform |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Vehicle Type | Fully-integrated autonomous vehicle |
| Key Modifications | Addition of Cruise AV hardware (sensors, computing, etc.) |
| Safety Protocol | Tested to meet all motor vehicle safety requirements |
