Skip to Content

Gadling's resident pilot explains what life in the cockpit is like

Got an extra $90 grand? Consider a self-driving Escape hybrid

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, Ford



We've been taking a close look at many of the vehicles created for various DARPA challenges, and it finally appears as if some of the new technology gained by these trials is trickling down into the real world. For instance, you're likely aware of new technologies such as lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control which add a touch of safety and a bit less driver control to your daily commute. If you like this idea but want to go all the way, TORC will be offering its autonomous wares for about sixty grand. Also needed will be a donor vehicle, specifically a Ford Escape Hybrid. The company claims that this vehicle makes an excellent starting point due to its on-board batteries, rugged structure and plenty of cargo space. After the cost of the hybrid is accounted for, the total investment in a self-driving car is still less than a hundred grand, which is pretty impressive for such technology.

[Source: CNET]

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.

Featured Galleries

Find Your Next Car

Sponsored Links