Ford Targets $30,000 Electric Truck with New Universal EV Platform

Ford BlueCruise is Ford’s hands-free driving technology, available on select highways in North America known as Blue Zones. It uses a combination of adaptive cruise control, lane centering, GPS mapping, and driver-facing cameras to allow hands-free driving while ensuring the driver stays attentive.

As of 2025, BlueCruise is available on popular models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, Aviator, and Corsair. Ford plans to expand BlueCruise availability across more EVs and traditional vehicles in the coming years.

BlueCruise typically comes with a trial period (90 days to 3 years depending on the model) and requires a subscription afterward. Pricing starts around $800 per year or $75 per month, though packages vary by vehicle and dealer promotions.

Blue Zones are pre-mapped divided highways where BlueCruise has been validated for hands-free driving. As of 2025, Blue Zones cover over 200,000 miles of highways in the U.S. and Canada, with Ford expanding coverage via over-the-air updates.

No. While all are advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), each works differently. Tesla Autopilot relies on camera-based vision AI, GM Super Cruise uses LiDAR-based HD maps, and Ford BlueCruise combines adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and driver monitoring. BlueCruise is designed for practical, safe highway driving rather than full autonomy.

BlueCruise can operate in rain, fog, and stop-and-go traffic, but performance may be limited in severe weather conditions such as snowstorms or when lane markings are not visible. The system always requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over.

Yes. BlueCruise is designed with over-the-air (OTA) update capability, meaning Ford can release new features, expand Blue Zones, and improve system performance without requiring a dealership visit. This makes BlueCruise future-proof compared to traditional ADAS systems.

No. Ford BlueCruise is classified as a Level 2 autonomous driving system under SAE standards. This means it offers hands-free capability under specific conditions, but the driver must remain alert and keep eyes on the road at all times.

BlueCruise uses infrared driver-facing cameras to ensure the driver’s eyes remain on the road. If the driver looks away too long, the system issues warnings and will gradually slow down the vehicle if no response is detected. This makes it safer than systems that allow driver inattention.

Ford plans to continue expanding BlueCruise with more mapped roads, improved lane-change automation, and integration with EV platforms such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. By 2030, Ford aims to make BlueCruise a cornerstone of its connected vehicle ecosystem, competing directly with Tesla FSD and GM Super Cruise.