GM’s automatic emergency braking system is now standardized for its latest EV models
General Motors announced today that it will make five active safety features standard on all electric vehicles from 2023 and beyond. Additionally, the automaker says it is going beyond its commitment to add automatic emergency braking (AEB) to 95 percent of its vehicles; The feature will be included in 98 percent of GM’s 2023 models — including all of its electric cars. The information was revealed after the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that all new cars and light trucks must include AEB within three years.
In addition to AEB, GM says four other safety features will be standard on most of its 2023 model year vehicles. These include Forward Collision Alert (warns if a frontal collision is likely), Forward Pedestrian Braking (warns of oncoming pedestrians and brakes automatically if necessary), Lane Keeping Assist with lane departure warning (tells you if you are drifting out of your lane) and IntelliBeam (automatic control of high beams). “As we look to a future vision of zero accidents, zero emissions and zero congestion, these technologies are important building blocks with proven benefits in reducing common accidents,” said John Kapp, GM’s director of vehicle safety technology, strategy and regulations. .
The automaker defends its commitment to safety research data in its decision, citing a 2023 study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) that showed AEB combined with forward collision warning reduces rear-end collisions by 42 percent. The same study found that front pedestrian braking reduced frontal collisions with pedestrians by 23 percent, while lane keeping assist with lane departure warning reduced off-road crashes (accidents caused by the vehicle drifting onto the road or into other lanes) by 15 percent. percent. . Finally, the automaker received a separate 2022 UMTRI study showing that IntelliBeam reduces pedestrian, bicyclist and animal collisions at night by 22 percent.
GM is also updating the front sensors on the Cadillac Lyric, 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Improved sensors with a wider field of view extend AEB operation to speeds of up to 80 mph and add automatic emergency braking for front braking of cyclists – a welcome feature in cities where cyclists weave in and out of traffic. In addition, the sensors allow Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Zone Steering Assist to engage more smoothly (short/sharp turns to avoid lane change accidents). According to the automaker, the updated sensors and similar features will expand to other models in the coming years.
The company stressed that its safety features aren’t just for the rich, but also cover some of its cheapest gas-powered cars. For example, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax ($21,495 and up) includes all five safety features that are now standard on more expensive EVs. “Thanks to this commitment, customers at all price points and trim levels will benefit from this proven safety technology,” the company said.
