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U.S. Department of Transportation
Triscallion_Black
Foundation – Automation Levels
§Automation at the vehicle and infrastructure level is necessary to achieve full potential of the system
§Automation level increases with vehicle & infrastructure level
§Foundation for describing the operational scenarios
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Platooning can be accomplished with all three infrastructure levels (since it can be accomplished on existing roadways). At a minimum it requires VL2 since that provides the lane centering systems and the CACC system allows closer following distances than possible under manual operation. It is possible to have platooning at level VL1, but the benefits are minimal. At VL1, the spacing is not tight, thus energy savings due to aerodynamics is less, roadway usage efficiency and throughput are lower. Ideally VL2 should be used to gain some benefits.

1st/Last Mile requires communication from the infrastructure (signal information) which is level 2 or 3. In this application, the driver is not capable of driving or even overtaking the control for a brief period in case of an exception. VL4 is required for this application, at this level there is no means or need for the driver to take over.