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"Active Drive Assist" = Monthly Service Fee

Jack in Prescott

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I opted for the Active Drive Assist 'prep' (or hardware) package on my order for several reasons: We tend to buy new and then retain a vehicle for 8-10 years, so higher trim level & options costs are usually spread over a long period of time. Plus, if the option promises pleasure when driving, the benefit of that option lasts the entire lengthy ownership period. And I'll be honest: It also sounds like a bit of fun, and more relaxing while on long trips.

What I didn't know when ordering is that the system's total pricing plan includes the cost of a monthly service plan, supposedly after an initial ownership period. So I thought I'd post this October press explanation in case others are unaware of it (altho' I don't know its accuracy). And of course Ford can change its plans on this service at any point going forward.

"Already announced for the electric Mustang Mach-E, the Active Drive Assist feature will allow drivers to take their hands completely off the steering wheel when they're traveling on the roughly 100,000 miles of American highways that Ford has mapped. It relies on camera- and radar-based technologies to keep the truck centered in its lane and traveling at a pre-determined speed; think of it as adaptive cruise control meets lane-keeping assist. It does not turn the F-150 into a fully autonomous car, and motorists will be required to keep both eyes on the road at all times. They will be monitored by a driver-facing camera that tracks their head and eye movements.

Ford told Autoblog that early F-150 buyers will either get the hardware that powers Active Drive Assist standard by ordering a top-of-the-line Limited model, or they'll be able to add it to a Lariat, a King Ranch, or a Platinum trim for $895 once the company deducts a $100 early adopter incentive. They'll then need to spend $600 to purchase the software, which they'll receive via an over-the-air software update when it's ready in the third quarter of 2021. At that point, the hardware and the software will be packaged together, and the bundle will cost $1,595.

Regardless, the Active Drive Assist feature will come with a three-year service period. Ford told Autoblog that, after that, "customers can choose to continue with it and get map updates with more hands-free driving zones by paying a competitively-priced monthly service cost." Those that don't opt in will presumably no longer be able to enable the hands-free driving feature. Full details will be announced in the coming months."

The full article can be found here:
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/10/30...ashFFzBATBDNUQ-FfVkF7FOrZKZca4He0KZds2mIyIL3u

Jack
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Roger350

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I looked at the $600 software bundled with the first 3 years of service free, as a $200/year subscription fee. If they keep the ongoing service at or below $200/year it won't be unreasonable. If they price it higher then I will have to evaluate how much I used it in the first 3 years, and if the benefit was significant enough to warrant something more. I hate subscriptions, but we had to know there was going to be one for this feature, it's only logical. I was just relieved the initial software and service was only $600, because most of us on here that ordered our trucks with the prep package paid $900 not knowing how much more we'd have to pay to use it.
 

05RubiconLJ

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Looks like it comes as part of the 701A package on the Platinum. I am not sure I will opt for it, but it is good to have it there for the if/when I decide that I do.
 
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Jack in Prescott

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I saw it in part as future-proofing for resale. Years down the road (sorry for the pun) when selling my Lariat, I would guess self-driving will be a more common upgrade path for many, and will add to a used truck's appeal. Also, my main anticipated use will be long distance drives for seasonal camping trips. If Ford offers by-the-month or quarterly subscription, I'm likely to toggle it on/off based on our annual travel plans.

Does anyone know if Tesla's 'autopilot' and GM's autonomous steering system require subscriptions?

Jack
 

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daemonic3

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Jack in Prescott

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Good ones! If you select premium service, does the local news scroll across on your HUD.

I notice Cadillac claims their Super Cruise system will support autonomous driving on 200,000 miles of highway, double what Ford is currently promising. And relevant to those of us who live in the large, less populated states with cell service dead zones. Cadillac states cell service must be operating for Super Cruise to function. Apparently, connection to their OnStar Emergency Services connection is required.

Jack
 

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solarity

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Hah EA and DLC...

Add a new drive mode will cost $10 or can come free after 30 oil changes at a dealership.

The new moped enhanced engine noise can be bought for $5 or free with new tires from a dealership.

To really take advantage of microtransactions, Ford will need to invent some type of dynamic appearance body package, that allows the vehicle to change color and apperance with new skins. Maybe call the tech Autobots?

Ford will also add a new inflatable autopilot similar to the one in the movie Airplane. This is the only way you can take advantage of their future full autonomous vehicle as the sensors will still need to monitor the driver.
 

timf343

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Hi guys, new to the forum. This is my first post.

I have an order in for a 2021 F150 platinum and I am happy to see Ford with the Active Drive Assist as an entry into autonomous vehicle technology.

I'm very curious in Tesla's FSD capability (and the videos of the beta look really amazing) and am on the waiting list for a Cybertruck......but that's a different thread.

So does anyone know similarities between Active Drive Assist and a Full Self Drive?

Will all the technology be in place in the vehicle for a future software upgrade to FSD? As others in the thread have mentioned, I like the idea that Active Drive Assist will be a value proposition in future value of 2021 versus 2020 and older models, but will the truck be capable of FSD when the software/service is ready?

I understand it's easier for computers to drive highways than cities for many obvious reasons like pedestrians, stop signs and faded road markings.

But presumably if the truck can apply brakes, acceleration and steering control, it should be OK, right? I suppose the only thing that might be needed is additional cameras/radars/etc. and maybe a more capable on board computer?
 

travekinman

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I tend to agree with everyone here in terms of the drive assist adding a resale benefit if and when to sell said vehicle down the road. My only concern with that thought however is that the hardware computer managing the information becomes obsolete due to it's chip set, meaning it can handle Drive Assist but not Full Drive due to processing speed and memory. IE Moore's law coming around to 'byte' us.
 

daemonic3

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Ford will also add a new inflatable autopilot similar to the one in the movie Airplane. This is the only way you can take advantage of their future full autonomous vehicle as the sensors will still need to monitor the driver.
Ok, now THAT I would pay extra for! We can use carpool lanes!!!

Actually in the bay area it requires 3 or more so need some inflatables in the back seat too...
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