As Nissan is getting ready to release the new Leaf 2018 electric car, more and more people are looking for information regarding the two semi-autonomous ProPilot systems integrated into the vehicle. Many speculate that the EV’s autonomous capabilities may very well rival those of the Tesla Model 3.
The Nissan Leaf will come with ProPilot Assist and ProPilot Park. The first one integrates lane-keeping assistance into an adaptive cruise control system, while the second one gives the vehicle the ability to park itself.
In terms of usability, ProPilot Park simply needs to be activated, and then drive alongside a parking space. The vehicle will recognize the empty space and mark it on the central touchscreen, with a parking logo graphic.
The driver then has the option to select the preferred parking space, after which he must hold down the ProPilot Park button that is located on the central console. This will enable the car to maneuver itself into the chosen parking spot. This having been said, keep in mind the fact that the system does not require a marked parking spot in order to recognize it, and is capable of maneuvering the vehicle between parked cars with ease.
Once the car has been given the command to park itself, it will perform several turns in order to fit into the chosen spot. While the vehicle will handle the parking itself, the driver can adjust several parameters before initiating the maneuver. Through these settings, one can choose the exact position of the EV in the parking spot. It is important to remember that the vehicles sold during the first year will not feature ProPilot Park.
The ProPilot Assist, however, will come with each and every new-gen Leaf. The semi-autonomous system uses a variety of sensors mounted on the car, in order to ensure that it does not miss any markings and that the vehicle is safe at all times.
Upon turning it on, ProPilot Assist will keep the EV in the center of the chosen lane and will adjust the speed in order to match the car ahead. If it encounters an obstacle, or if the car ahead stops, so will the Leaf. As with the first system, the driver can adjust several parameters, such as the distance between the EV and the vehicle in front, or the cruise speed.
