A state-of-the-art review on vehicle drift dynamics and autonomous drift control

With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, traffic safety has seen considerable improvement. However, advanced automated driving systems must be capable of managing a diverse range of complex scenarios, particularly under extreme operating conditions. In public transport settings, vehicles can pose a severe risk of traffic accidents when operating under these limits. Therefore, enhancing the control capabilities of autonomous driving systems in such high-stress situations has become critically important. Drift represents a unique vehicle state where it operates at the edge of stability. As intelligent driving technology and chassis control systems evolve, autonomous vehicles are now capable of performing controlled drift maneuvers. This capability not only enhances the handling performance of autonomous vehicles but also offers potential solutions for managing traction loss in active safety scenarios. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of vehicle drift dynamics and control strategies, focusing on their application in both theoretical and practical contexts. We identify key research directions to lay a foundation for future research in autonomous drifting, offering insights into both current advancements and the potential for future developments in this evolving field.