The influence of machine learning and autonomous technology is becoming increasingly apparent across various industries, and the automotive industry is no different. Ongoing car technology advancements mean that more and more vehicles are now fitted with autonomous driving systems.

 
 Adaptive cruise control is one autonomous feature that is becoming increasingly popular in modern cars, particularly in the EV market. At Kia, we are at the forefront of this change, with an exciting suite of advanced driver assistance technologies showcased across our range.

 
 As advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control continue to pervade the car market, we’re keen to show how they are benefitting your own driving experiences - and how the Kia EV9 is leading the charge.

What does Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) mean?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), also often called radar or active cruise control, is an advanced technology that effectively enables vehicles to drive more autonomously by matching the speed of the car in front. Although ACC cannot technically operate without a driver, when people talk about self-driving cars or driverless cars, they are usually referring to cars with ACC.

 
 ACC uses a laser or radar system that constantly monitors the road ahead and detects the speed of the traffic. It then uses this information to adjusts the vehicle’s speed accordingly and keep pace with the traffic.

 
 Adaptive cruise control is just one of the technologies being introduced into the automotive market and is increasingly becoming a common feature in modern, more autonomous vehicles.

 
 ACC is a type of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which is the umbrella term for driver aids that assist with the safe operation of a vehicle, such as collision avoidance.

 
 All our Kia cars feature a host of pioneering driving assist technologies, such as Blind Spot Assist, Front Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Park Assist.

What are the benefits of autonomous vehicle driving systems?

The rising popularity of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is exciting for the car industry, as these technologies are set to transform the driving experiences we are familiar with. The major advantage of ADAS, and the reason for its inception and increasing emergence across the industry, is improved safety.

 
 Assisted driving technologies are engineered to keep drivers safe by utilising 360-degree visibility and movement detection. With advanced sensor technology, these systems can assess the risks on the road and alert you, or sometimes even react, to any kind of hazard.

 
 Humans are inevitably susceptible to tiredness, lapses in concentration and other distractions that can have dangerous consequences when behind the wheel. The ultimate goal of autonomous car technologies is to significantly reduce, and even remove, this risk of human error causing an accident.

 
 When driving on a motorway, for example, adaptive cruise control cars can autonomously maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, stay within the speed limit and alert you if you move close to the edge of the lane. This reduces the risk of tiredness or even a momentary distraction causing an accident, particularly during a long journey.

 
 It’s important to note that these assisted driving systems are designed to operate as an ‘aid’. In other words, the driver still has full control over the vehicle when the ACC or other ADAS features are activated.

The Kia EV9: taking a step forward in car autonomy.

At Kia, we continue to set new standards, not just for sustainable mobility but also in building and innovating new, cutting-edge technologies to transform driving experiences for the better. Introduced as our most generation-defining electric car yet, there is no doubt that the Kia EV9 fulfils this brief.

 
 The all-electric SUV is fitted with our most intelligent ADAS technology yet, leading the charge in autonomous driving. The Kia EV9 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist 2 with Hands-On-Detection (HDA 2 with HOD). This cutting-edge technology is built with fifteen sensors, providing a 360-degree field of view and movement detection. The adaptive cruise control, meanwhile, can react to hazards or movement on the road within milliseconds, keeping you safe like never before.

 
 As we continue to innovate, you won’t have to worry about falling behind. The Kia EV9 has upgradeable technology that you can update via the Kia Connect store without having to go to a dealership.

 
 The EV9 is currently available for pre-sale and is expected to officially hit UK markets in early 2024. Visit our dedicated page to discover more about everything the Kia EV9 can offer you or explore our electric cars for other pioneering, sustainable driving technologies.