4 min read
0 comments
Stellantis presents a prototype car without brakes and accelerator that promises to transform autonomous car driving and increase accessibility for drivers with disabilities.
Imagine a car without an accelerator and brake pedal. It looks like something out of a futuristic movie, but Stellantis is working on exactly that! The company is developing a new steering wheel prototype, which resembles an airplane control stick, capable of completely replacing the traditional brake and accelerator pedals. This not only makes driving in autonomous cars easier, but also offers a new solution for people with disabilities (PwD). Do you want to know more about this car without brakes and accelerator? So keep reading and we'll give you the details of the technology that could bring about the end of the traditional accelerator and brake.
Stellantis and the car without accelerator
The images of this prototype were registered at the patent office of the EUA and recently revealed by the CarBuzz website. The mechanics are ingeniously simple and straightforward: to accelerate, the driver pushes the steering wheel toward the dashboard; to brake, pull it back.
This design not only facilitates steering, allowing control with just one hand, but also offers flexibility to adapt the steering wheel to different styles, always ensuring the ergonomics of a joystick (control lever used in aircraft).
- Shineray's new motorcycle costs R$0 and can do up to 8.490 km/l with gasoline in urban cycle, according to data from the manufacturer
- Nissan's new sedan gets up to 15 km/l on the road with gasoline and will be available at dealerships in 2025
- Gol, HB20 and more: the best-selling used cars in March 2025 will surprise you!
- Meet the new Fiat Pulse Abarth 2026: bold design and plenty of performance
Stellantis has its eye on making driving more accessible and efficient. The technology used in the prototype is steer by wire, which creates a virtual connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, eliminating the need for the traditional steering column. This technology is perfect for autonomous cars and the new steering wheel acceleration and braking function.
Challenges of new technology
However, a concern arises: During braking, inertia can cause the driver to involuntarily push the steering wheel against the dashboard, resulting in unwanted acceleration. A possible solution to this could be to incorporate autonomous systems into the vehicle that automatically neutralize acceleration or initiate braking.
Alternatively, one could consider reversing the steering wheel functions so that pushing results in braking and pulling results in acceleration, aligning control actions with natural physical forces to facilitate more intuitive driving.
Other automakers innovate with cars without accelerator and brakes in
Stellantis is not alone in this innovation. Other automakers are also exploring similar concepts. Tesla, for example, has already installed a similar steering wheel in the pickup truck Cybertruck, designed to be retracted easily in the future of self-driving cars.
A Toyota presented NEO Steer, a system that works as a lever to accelerate and brake the car, also aiming for accessibility for PwD drivers. Mazda has a similar project.
Impacts and benefits for people with disabilities
The adaptability of this new steering wheel is a big advancement towards accessibility. Drivers with disabilities will find it easier and more comfortable to drive, without the need for traditional brake and accelerator pedals. This inclusive design can transform the driving experience for many, providing greater autonomy and safety.
The development of this prototype by Stellantis is an important step towards the future of autonomous cars. The elimination of the brake and accelerator pedals is an adaptation that perfectly aligns with the vision of fully autonomous vehicles. With the integration of advanced steering and control systems, vehicle safety and efficiency can be significantly improved.
The end of conventional accelerator and brake?
The revolution that Stellantis is proposing with the car without brakes and accelerator is an innovation that promises to change the way we drive. The introduction of a steering wheel that combines acceleration and braking functions not only makes driving in autonomous cars easier, but also offers an inclusive solution for drivers with disabilities.
This innovative approach, combined with advanced technologies such as steer by wire, can redefine safety and accessibility standards in the automotive industry. As more automakers explore these concepts, we are moving closer to a future where driving is safer, more efficient and accessible for everyone.
Stellantis, with its vision of eliminating the traditional brake and accelerator, is at the forefront of this transformation. The prototype steering wheel in the shape of some It is a bold step towards a new mobility paradigm, where technology and innovation come together to create a more inclusive and advanced world.
If you're curious to see what the future of cars will look like, keep an eye on Stellantis and its innovations. The end of the traditional accelerator and brake may be closer than we think, bringing with it a new era of affordable, autonomous vehicles. The driving revolution has begun, and Stellantis is leading the way with its accelerator- and brakeless car.
