Ford Makes Hands-Free Driving Hardware Standard in Future Vehicles

Ford announced on Monday that it will be including its hands-free driving hardware, BlueCruise, as a standard feature in many of its upcoming vehicles. This move further highlights Ford’s push towards software integration, following the footsteps of Tesla.

Previously, except for the Mustang Mach-E, Ford only offered the option to purchase the hands-off driving feature alongside a new vehicle. However, moving forward, Ford plans to incorporate the necessary hands-free technology into 500,000 vehicles in North America for the 2024 model year, including popular models such as the F-150 Lightning, Ford F-150, and Ford Expedition. This decision was initially hinted at back in May.

One advantage of this approach is that car buyers will no longer need to make a decision on whether to opt for BlueCruise in advance. This feature will be available in the vehicles, allowing used-car shoppers the opportunity to access it regardless of the previous owner’s choice. However, it’s important to note that this feature comes with a cost.

If purchased upfront with a new vehicle, Ford will charge $2,100 for a three-year subscription. Alternatively, the company will provide free trials before switching to a subscription model of $800 per year or $75 per month. This subscription model is reminiscent of Tesla’s driver-assist subscriptions.

While Ford may be entering the game relatively later, its pricing for the subscription is slightly more affordable compared to competitors.