Stellantis, the automaker behind Jeep and Ram, has partnered with self-driving startup Wayve to introduce hands-free driving in its vehicles from 2028. This deal comes after Wayve secured a $1.2 billion funding round, attracting major investors like Nissan and Stellantis.

CEO Alex Kendall highlights the adaptability of Wayve's AI, which can generalize across various vehicle types and driving conditions, making it an appealing solution for Stellantis' diverse portfolio. The partnership aims to bring autonomous technology to North American markets first, aligning with Stellantis' $70 billion turnaround plan.

Wayve’s efficiency lies in its end-to-end neural network that can operate on any chip and doesn’t rely on high-cost sensors or maps. This makes the tech accessible for lower-cost vehicles. Wayve is marketing two products: a hands-off assisted driving system akin to Tesla FSD, and a fully driverless solution for robotaxis.

The deal with Stellantis marks a significant step forward, as it's one of only a few such partnerships in North America. While it may take years before the tech hits your local dealership, the partnership could signify a shift towards more autonomous vehicles on our roads by 2028.