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Hands Free Driving

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2.7K views 46 replies 14 participants last post by  jfgoldman  
#1 ·
I am researching a replacement for my travel ICE car and have owned an EV6 AWD Wind for 3 years for daily/local use.
One of my main criterias is Hands Free Driving which only a few auto makers have that stand out.
I love the EV6, but Kia has nothing close to the competition in any of their models.
GM's Super Cruise or to a lesser degree Ford's Blue Cruise seem like the only game in town. Others' offerings are a joke ex ept Tesla"s FSD, but not sure I like their cars.
Does anyone have any inside info on Kia/Hyundais plans to conpete in this area?
 
#2 ·
High cost and that it's a third-party solution notwithstanding, Comma 3X will bring supported HMG vehicles on par with if not exceed what Super Cruise and BlueCruise offers; in fact, in some areas a Comma device exceeds what Super Cruise and BlueCruise are capable of since the latter two work only on mapped, limited-access highways, whereas Comma can offer hands-free (not to be confused with Full Self-Driving like what Tesla is capable of) driving on just about any road that has lane markings on at least one side of the lane.
 
#3 ·
Actually Super Cruise covers 700,000+ miles of roadways and many are normal state and county roads. The fact that these are all Lidar mapped adds a huge amount of confidence to their technology and as far as I know there are no reported "errors" in lane keeping.
I am not totally familiar with Comma 3x (just watched a few videos), but my understanding it is "camera only" and need clear lane lines to function, not to mention that it is a DIY installation which most would be hesitant to tackle.
HMG seems to be "missing the boat" on this increasingly popular capability.
 

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#4 ·
I'm on the cadi forums,,while super cruise when it works is nice.its been clitchy.I'm going the comma 3 route(have all the stuff),just need to recover from hand surgery to finally install it.can't wait.guy I bought it from had it in his ev6 and it was set up from the owner/ founders of comma from what he told me.all ready loaded w/ sunnypilot installed.
 
#5 ·
Comma 3x works well enough but there are limitations. It relies on the stock steering wheel torque controller which has limited strength. I have encountered plenty of freeway speed turns where it prompts me to take control as it cannot turn the wheel far enough (especially when going thru south WV or western NC).

Also, as far as controlling acceleration/braking, in my opinion the stock cruise control works much better than anything the c3x currently supports on the EV6. For EV6 with HDA1 it uses the car's factory camera for single vehicle lead tracking. For EV6 with HDA2 it uses the Comma's camera (worse). In both cases, it disables the factory radar including emergency braking and collision warning. And in my case (HDA1) I found it to be substantially worse than just using the stock cruise control. Luckily, with the c3x you can have it control the steering (latitude) independently of the acceleration/braking (longitude). I use it with latitude only.

The other big downside of the comma 3x is it requires you to mount a fairly large device directly in the center of your windshield.

I use it with sunnypilot and I'm happy with it. But I already have an EV6. If I were looking for "hands free driving" when buying a car, I'd probably try to buy one that already head it.
 
#9 ·
Comma 3x works well enough but there are limitations. It relies on the stock steering wheel torque controller which has limited strength. I have encountered plenty of freeway speed turns where it prompts me to take control as it cannot turn the wheel far enough (especially when going thru south WV or western NC).

Also, as far as controlling acceleration/braking, in my opinion the stock cruise control works much better than anything the c3x currently supports on the EV6. For EV6 with HDA1 it uses the car's factory camera for single vehicle lead tracking. For EV6 with HDA2 it uses the Comma's camera (worse). In both cases, it disables the factory radar including emergency braking and collision warning. And in my case (HDA1) I found it to be substantially worse than just using the stock cruise control. Luckily, with the c3x you can have it control the steering (latitude) independently of the acceleration/braking (longitude). I use it with latitude only.

The other big downside of the comma 3x is it requires you to mount a fairly large device directly in the center of your windshield.

I use it with sunnypilot and I'm happy with it. But I already have an EV6. If I were looking for "hands free driving" when buying a car, I'd probably try to buy one that already head it.
You should clarify that it "disables" AEB only if you use it in Experimental Mode; your comment (the part I highlighted) seems to imply that AEB is always disabled when using Comma, yet further on you acknowledge that Comma can independently manage latitudinal and longitudinal control.

Regarding your comment about the EV6's steering wheel torque controller having limited strength--compared to what other vehicle/make (for which Comma works on)? Anecdotal comments from Comma developers and testers have indicated that (certain) HMG vehicles (e.g., EV6, Ioniq 5) offer some of the strongest steering torque when compared to other vehicles, and depending on the fork and/or branch the steering torque settings can be adjusted (if you're brave enough to do so).

Yes Comma is not perfect by any means, but for the situations I use it for it is better than the factory HDA; it can take certain curves at speeds that the factory HDA would give up on--e.g., there is this one sweeping freeway curve that Comma can take at 75 mph w/o complaining, yet the factory HDA would give up attempting to handle that same curve at the same speed. And no, it is not a means of getting an EV6 to perform FSD and it is not currently marketed as such.
 
#8 ·
Mercedes and BMW appear to have pretty good ADAS systems, though they're still not going to be able to take you from start to finish like FSD, or even exit to exit on the highway.

Out of Spec does a pretty damn good test of ADAS systems on a difficult stretch of the Colorado highway. They link to a Google Sheet in the description that shows the results of the test, which is a pretty clear indicator of how far ahead Tesla is with FSD

 
#46 ·
Regardless of how good Tesla's FSD is it is still only a Level 2 ADAS system - a long way from full hands off, eyes off that will be there in a Level 3 system (which, as of now, only Mercedes Benz has in their high end models and only on a limited number of roads. The reason Tesla has so many law suits is because people believe it is more capable than it is. The other problem is you have to buy a Tesla to get it and there is no way I am putting up with the many issues with Tesla - everything done from the main screen that requires to take eyes off the road to do simple things like adjust the HVAC or change music. And, for many people, it also doesn't support Apple Car Play or Android Auto. I live in Southern Nevada with 300 days of sun and don't want to buy a car with a Panoramic glass roof (I have the same issue with Limited trim on the Ionic 6) and if you want a cover you need to get a 3rd party cover that you have to install. Finally, Tesla FSD is either $8,000 up front or $99/month. I have not had the same issues with HDA1 that some claim to have as I have driven through mountain passes and regular straight line Interstates and have had no issues with using HDA1 on those roads. While I guess hands off would be nice it wouldn't really change much for me as I drive with my left hand with a couple of fingers on the wheel. If you're really paying attention to the road (like you should on any of these systems) then having a hand on the wheel ready to take over shouldn't be a big deal. JMHO.
 
#15 ·
just watched a video on the ford,nice.thats what I'd want kia to do.wish my car could change lanes but on the highway,I only have to touch the steering wheel every couple of miles.and as it's been said,kia doesn't like long sweeping corners at higher speeds(70+mph).hope the comma 3 can handle it.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I won't claim/argue that Comma can handle any and all sweeping corners/curves at speeds the factory HDA would easily give up on, but I do know from first-hand experience that it has taken many a corner/curve at speeds HDA will give up on. Although to be fair, how much more it can handle a sweeping corner at speed vs HDA can depend on which fork, branch, and/or driving model you're using on your Comma device, as well as how much steering wheel torque the vehicle model is capable of providing--e.g., based on anecdotal comments it has been reported that Hondas offer relatively weaker steering wheel torque compared to what the EV6 is capable of providing.
 
#18 ·
I'm sorry that this doesn't help you, and this will be an unpopular opinion here.... but unless you (or anyone else reading this), has tried Tesla FSD in its current iteration, you don't know what you are missing. It is not perfect by any means, but far superior to all the other systems. The ConsumerReports "test" was bad in many ways (now I do not remember the details, but remember noticing the issues at the time), but more importantly it is WAY outdated now. The think to remember is that whatever self-driving you get on a new car will likely not change much, unless you get a Tesla. Their updates are frequent and the evolution lately has been astounding. I love my EV6, in large part because the similar vintage Model Y had suspension that felt awful. But the new Model Y is leagues better than the old and on par to the EV6 in composure and perhaps even quieter. I hate the rear end look, but in darker titanium/gray, black, or red it is passable, IMHO. Anway, you said you were "not sure I like their cars." That's fair, but if you haven't test-driven the new Model Y, you owe it to yourself to try it, especially if self-driving is a priority.
[I understand that people will disagree and/or have issues with Musk. To each his own and it's not worth arguing IMHO. I just wanted to point out how much FSD has changed, even in the last few months, not to mention the last year since that ConsumerReports test]
 
#22 · (Edited)
I'm sorry that this doesn't help you, and this will be an unpopular opinion here.... but unless you (or anyone else reading this), has tried Tesla FSD in its current iteration, you don't know what you are missing. It is not perfect by any means, but far superior to all the other systems. The ConsumerReports "test" was bad in many ways (now I do not remember the details, but remember noticing the issues at the time), but more importantly it is WAY outdated now. The think to remember is that whatever self-driving you get on a new car will likely not change much, unless you get a Tesla. Their updates are frequent and the evolution lately has been astounding. I love my EV6, in large part because the similar vintage Model Y had suspension that felt awful. But the new Model Y is leagues better than the old and on par to the EV6 in composure and perhaps even quieter. I hate the rear end look, but in darker titanium/gray, black, or red it is passable, IMHO. Anway, you said you were "not sure I like their cars." That's fair, but if you haven't test-driven the new Model Y, you owe it to yourself to try it, especially if self-driving is a priority.
[I understand that people will disagree and/or have issues with Musk. To each his own and it's not worth arguing IMHO. I just wanted to point out how much FSD has changed, even in the last few months, not to mention the last year since that ConsumerReports test]
I don't think anyone here--myself included--has tried to argue or have argued that any of the other hands-free/driving assist systems offered by other non-Tesla manufacturers are on par with Tesla FSD's abilities--i.e., we all know that Tesla FSD is in a class all by itself. As far as the EV6 itself is concerned, IMHO using a Comma device with it supplements the Kia HDA's features quite well.
 
#19 ·
Regarding the Comma 3x, it is better than the HDA2 in all of my experience except speed control. The stock system requires me to constantly correct the steering however vs. the new 0.10 OpenPilot release with completely default settings which requires far less correction and interaction than any prior version or SunnyPilot I tried. (I am able to drive dozens of highway miles hands free if no lane changes or sharp curves require intervention.)

For anybody stuck on an older release of OP or using something other than that, I highly recommend trying it. It's far better than the prior release.

For mounting location, mine works well in this location which significantly reduces blind spot concerns.

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I bent and trimmed a single piece of ABS plastic that is attached via VHB to the rear of the display. My intention is to raise it up another 1/8-1/4" inch however to get the housing off of the top trim of the display. (I currently have a small piece of vinyl repair tape between the two.) The bracket required a single heat bend at the top and a twist midway to get the alignment correct.
 
owns 2023 Kia EV6 GT
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#23 ·
In my experience with the Comma3X is great. I am using the Sunny Pilot fork which lets me turn steering control on/off independent of cruise control. I am able to travel from Phoenix to Flagstaff up steep mountain curves with 99% of my hands off the wheel. Since it has driver monitoring i DO NOT Have to touch the wheel every few minutes or so, it is completely hands off. It also handles when their is construction and lane lines are gone, handles neighborhoods with no lane lines (and cars parked on the side of the road). I have > 26,000 miles on the comma and it make driving much easier and less tiring since all you need to do is watch for cars and adjust your speed. The stock EV6 lateral controls are good, but the comma3x boosts this 500%
 
#24 ·
In my experience with the Comma3X is great. I am using the Sunny Pilot fork which lets me turn steering control on/off independent of cruise control. I am able to travel from Phoenix to Flagstaff up steep mountain curves with 99% of my hands off the wheel. Since it has driver monitoring i DO NOT Have to touch the wheel every few minutes or so, it is completely hands off. It also handles when their is construction and lane lines are gone, handles neighborhoods with no lane lines (and cars parked on the side of the road). I have > 26,000 miles on the comma and it make driving much easier and less tiring since all you need to do is watch for cars and adjust your speed. The stock EV6 lateral controls are good, but the comma3x boosts this 500%
And that is the argument I use when trying to explain how/why Comma does a great job of supplementing the factory HDA, in both the latitudinal and longitudinal departments.

Example of where it exceeds the factory HDA/HDA2 when it comes to latitudinal control--when using the factory HDA2 auto-lane change feature not only does it require you to touch (ahem, nudge) the steering wheel to even initiate the lane change, it continues to nag you to keep your hands on the steering wheel during the entire lane change maneuver; with Sunnypilot (with the appropriate setting enabled) all I need to do is tap the turn signal lever in the direction of the lane change--Comma will do the rest (in conjunction with the factory HDA2) without even once requiring/nagging me to touch/nudge the steering wheel at all. This is why the factory HDA2 auto-lane change feature is practically useless--if I'm required to keep my hands on the steering wheel during the lane change, then I might as well have just performed the lane change manually.

Example of where it exceeds the factory HDA/HDA2 when it comes to longitudinal control--when smart cruise control is enabled and in use on surface streets or other non-highway roads and upon coming to a stop (e.g., red light), with Sunnypilot I do not need to tap the accelerator pedal or flick the CC steering wheel rocker switch in order to resume forward motion; such is not possible with the factory HDA under the same conditions. Furthermore, with Sunnypilot I can engage SCC at any speed over 0 mph; with factory HDA SCC cannot be engaged at speeds <20 mph.
 
#29 ·
I decided not to use the OBD connection for risk of draining the 12V battery. Same for my FitcamX. I may install a secondary battery for them, but I don't intend to risk it before then.
 
owns 2023 Kia EV6 GT
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#34 · (Edited)
It is no longer absolutely required to connect Comma 3X to OBD port for regular/normal operation; having said that, notwithstanding the valid concern about potential 12V battery drain if you choose to utilize the OBD connection you can connect the Comma to it and as @GrayCorgi mentioned in their post #33 you can simply adjust the standby time that Comma should remain in the Off-road state after the vehicle is turned off. Obviously the standby time setting won't work/matter if the OBD connection is not utilized since Comma uses it to draw aux power when vehicle is off.
 
#35 ·
I only have HDA1 on Ionic 6 SE and it has worked great for me on the roads I travel. I could care less about lane changes using any kind of autopilot and HDA1 only requires me to have a couple of fingers on my left hand which is accomplished by resting my left elbow on the left door cushion. This works fine for me as I am ready if it ever kicks (which it never has on either straight line interstate OR mountain pass interstate. In all cases, HDA1 is more than capable of doing its ADAS thing for me on trips I have taken. While I suppose hands free is nice you don't miss what you don't have and I am happy with the ADAS on my car and it really makes the trips I take much, much easier and less tiring. When I turn my I6 in (Spring 2027) I am praying that there are used 2026s (I love the redesign and improvements (bigger battery, more switches, NACS plus (which by then should be available at most (if not all) charging stations. I pray that tariffs do not stop Hyundai from importing 2026 I6's so I can find a good used I6 for high 20s - low 30s for a long term purchase and use (expect to drive the next I6 for a long time - maybe until it reaches EOL). As far as I am concerned the HDA1/2 on the 2026 I6 should be more than enough for me and I happen to be able to get by with just Level 1 charging as we (wife and I are both retired) don't drive much (Approx. 5K/year) and if its outside the range of I6 we are usually flying (and don't mind the hassles of going to airport) Also, greatly overlooked about HMG products is they are one of the few (only?) that has no charges for their ADAS. I pray that never changes.
 
#38 ·
There are 6 levels of automation agreed worldwide, (0 with nothing and 5 being able to fall asleep in the car) and no car is currently at level 5. Not even Tesla, they're just massively over promising what their cars can do.
  1. Level 0: No driving automation.
  2. Level 1: Driver assistance.
  3. Level 2: Partial driving automation.
  4. Level 3: Conditional driving automation.
  5. Level 4: High driving automation.
  6. Level 5: Full driving automation.
Currently we're only at level 2 (and even Tesla are linked with this level), so at this time I would not fully trust any car as 'hands free' when none of them are classed as such
 
#41 ·
SuperCruise is a fine system except for the Subscription fees after the "Free Trail Period" (3 yrs.????). I have no interest in paying for something that is already in the car and have to pay extra to keep a feature I've had for the trial period. HMG is one of the few (Only???) manufacturer's that have no charge for their ADAS systems - while it may not be the best It has always worked well for me. They are also going in the right direction with adding buttons back into controls where appropriate and fixing customer complaints (although still not sure if they've fixed the ICCU problems of the E-GMP platforms.