Ford BlueCruise: The Future of Hands-Free Driving

Ford BlueCruise: The Future of Hands-Free Driving

As automotive technology advances, Ford continues to push the boundaries of innovation with BlueCruise, its hands-free driving system. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance driving convenience and safety on the road. In this article, we'll explore how Ford BlueCruise works, how to get it, and what it costs.

What is Ford BlueCruise?

Ford BlueCruise is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that allows for hands-free driving on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones. This technology represents a significant step forward in autonomous driving, providing drivers with a more relaxed and confident driving experience.

How Does Ford BlueCruise Work?

Ford BlueCruise combines several sophisticated technologies to enable hands-free driving:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

This feature maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as necessary, and can bring the car to a complete stop and resume driving in traffic.

2. Lane Centring

Lane Centring uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings and keep the vehicle centred within its lane. This ensures the car stays on course without the need for constant steering input from the driver.

3. Driver-Facing Camera

A driver-facing camera monitors the driver’s eye gaze and head position to ensure they are paying attention to the road. If the system detects that the driver is not attentive, it will issue alerts to regain their attention.

4. Hands-Free Blue Zones

Ford has mapped out over 100,000 miles of Hands-Free Blue Zones across North America where BlueCruise can be activated. These zones are prequalified sections of divided highways that meet Ford’s stringent criteria for safe hands-free driving.

How to Get Ford BlueCruise

If you're interested in experiencing Ford BlueCruise, here are the steps to get it:

Check Vehicle Compatibility: Ford BlueCruise is available on select models equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0 Prep Package. Some of the eligible models include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Ford F-150.
Purchase or Upgrade: If you're buying a new vehicle, you can opt for a model that comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0 Prep Package. For existing vehicle owners, check with your local Ford dealership to see if your car can be retrofitted with the necessary hardware and software updates to enable BlueCruise.
Subscription Service: BlueCruise functionality is available through a subscription service. Once your vehicle is equipped with the necessary hardware, you can activate BlueCruise by subscribing to the service via Ford’s online platform or through your dealership.

How Much Does Ford BlueCruise Cost?

The cost of Ford BlueCruise consists of a few components:

Initial Purchase or Upgrade: The cost of the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0 Prep Package varies depending on the vehicle model. This package is typically included in higher trim levels or available as an optional add-on, ranging from £600 to £1,000.
Subscription Fee: The BlueCruise subscription service costs approximately £17 per month, or you can opt for an annual subscription at a discounted rate of around £180 per year. This subscription fee covers access to the BlueCruise system and its continuous updates.
Retrofit Costs: If you're retrofitting an existing vehicle, additional costs may apply for installing the necessary hardware and software. These costs can vary widely, so it’s best to consult with your Ford dealer for a precise quote.

Conclusion

Ford BlueCruise is a groundbreaking technology that brings hands-free driving to a wider audience, enhancing both convenience and safety on the road. By understanding how BlueCruise works and the steps to obtain it, you can take full advantage of this innovative system. Whether you’re purchasing a new vehicle or upgrading an existing one, Ford BlueCruise represents the future of driving, offering a glimpse into the possibilities of autonomous vehicles.