BMW is taking a giant leap forward in the world of autonomous driving with the launch of its state-of-the-art test site, the Future Mobility Development Centre (FMDC), in Sokolov, Czechia. Representing an investment of 300 million euros, the FMDC is the first of its kind in central Europe and is set to play a pivotal role in BMW's future mobility development. Encompassing a vast expanse of 600 hectares, the site is dedicated to the ongoing research and testing of automated driving and parking technologies. Notably, this impressive investment will create over 100 new jobs and, in line with BMW's commitment to sustainability, will operate entirely on 100 percent green electricity.
Transformed from a former mining region into an innovation hub, the FMDC's strategic location offers an array of real-world conditions for testing highly and fully automated driving and parking, complementing virtual simulations of driving scenarios. By combining both virtual and real-world testing, BMW aims to meet the stringent safety requirements of its customers effectively. The FMDC joins the ranks of BMW's existing group of test sites in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden. This facility will be used to help develop future generations of electric car from BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce.
So what is autonomous driving and what do the various levels (from 1 to 5) actually mean in the real world?
The levels of autonomous driving are a standardised classification system used to define the extent of automation in vehicles. These levels were defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in their J3016 standard. The levels range from Level 0, representing no automation – through to Level 5, which signifies full automation. Each level represents a different degree of automation and human involvement in the driving process. Here's a brief overview of the five levels:-
Level 0 (No Automation):
At Level 0, there is no automation involved in the driving process. The vehicle relies entirely on the human driver for all aspects of driving, including acceleration, braking, and steering. This level includes conventional vehicles with no advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like cruise control or lane-keeping assist.
Level 1 (Driver Assistance):
Level 1 introduces basic driver assistance systems. These systems can control either the steering or acceleration/deceleration, but not both simultaneously. An example of Level 1 automation is adaptive cruise control, where the vehicle can maintain a set speed and adjust it based on the distance from the vehicle in front. However, the driver must remain fully engaged and responsible for all other driving tasks.
Level 2 (Partial Automation):
Level 2 vehicles offer a higher level of automation, where the car can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration simultaneously under certain conditions. However, the driver must remain engaged and monitor the driving environment at all times. Examples of Level 2 automation include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Tesla's Autopilot and GM's Super Cruise.
Level 3 (Conditional Automation):
At Level 3, the vehicle can manage most aspects of driving under specific conditions and scenarios. The car can operate autonomously without constant driver intervention, but the driver must be ready to take over if the system encounters a situation it cannot handle. Level 3 automation allows the driver to disengage from actively monitoring the road, but they must remain available to take control when necessary. Currently, Level 3 vehicles are not widely available due to regulatory challenges and concerns about the handover of control between the system and the driver.
Level 4 (Automated Driving)
At level 4, the car can handle the majority of driving situations independently. The technology in level 4 is developed to the point that a car can handle highly complex urban driving situations, such as the sudden appearance of construction sites, without any driver intervention. Unless every vehicle on the road is autonomous, Level 4 is likely to be the peak of what is achievable using technologies in the near future.
Level 5 (Full Automation):
Level 5 represents full automation, where the vehicle can handle all driving tasks and functions without any human intervention. In Level 5 autonomous vehicles, there is no need for a steering wheel, pedals, or any controls for human operation. The car can operate in all conditions and scenarios that a human driver can handle. Level 5 vehicles do not require a driver and can operate without any occupants inside the vehicle. However, achieving Level 5 autonomy involves complex technological and regulatory challenges, and fully autonomous vehicles with no human controls are still under development.
Level 5 autonomous vehicles would likely not have a steering wheel.
It's important to note that the progression from one level to another requires significant advancements in technology, safety, and regulatory frameworks. Most commercially available EVs have implemented autonomous levels 2 or 3, while Level 4 and Level 5 technologies continue to be a subject of ongoing research and development.
With its BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce brands, BMW is targeting Level 4. That is the highest level of autonomy that still requires a steering wheel. The launch of its FMDC facility will help make that a reality.
Frank Weber, BMW Board Member for Development, highlighted the unique capabilities of the FMDC, stating, “With our new Future Mobility Development Centre, we have created a one-of-a-kind test site, designed exclusively for the highly demanding testing of automated driving and parking up to level 4. On 600 hectares of land, we test all possible driving conditions with maximum flexibility and tremendous efficiency: city, countryside, freeway, as well as automated parking. The special thing? We can run our test modules one after the other without stopping. This makes our testing as realistic, reliable, and customer-oriented as possible.”
Apart from serving as a hub for technological innovations, the FMDC is a testament to BMW's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. During the planning and construction phases, BMW collaborated closely with specialized ecological construction monitoring to integrate the highest environmental standards into the site's design. The test track and charging infrastructure at the FMDC are powered entirely by renewable energy sources, contributing to the global decarbonisation efforts of BMW's sites.
The dedication to sustainability goes beyond electricity usage, as the FMDC features an innovative water management system that collects rainwater and uses it for track irrigation, reducing water consumption. Furthermore, the preservation and promotion of local biodiversity were given due consideration during the planning process. Amphibian control systems were installed across the site to ensure the safe movement of animals and maintain the ecosystem's balance.
Importantly, the development of the FMDC demonstrates BMW's commitment to long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability and efficient resource management are central to the company's strategic direction, encompassing the entire value chain, from supply chain and production to the end of the product's use phase. This focus on sustainability aligns with BMW's position as a leading global manufacturer and underscores its dedication to shaping a sustainable future for mobility.
In 2022, BMW sold almost 2.4 million passenger vehicles and over 200,000 motorcycles worldwide. After strong initial innovation with the i3 and i8, the company stopped producing new electric vehicles until recently. Now, drivers have a range of choices from the group – with electric vehicles available from Mini, Rolls Royce and BMW itself. The company's i4 topped our Best Saloon chart for 2023 and the iX was the Best Premium SUV – so a strong push on safety and innovation will help it to cement that kind of market position going forward.
The FMDC centre's innovative facilities and real-world testing capabilities are poised to shape the future of BMW's mobility, marking a significant milestone in the company's quest for autonomous driving.
