BYD, one of China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, has announced an ambitious plan to roll out advanced self-driving technology across almost all of its vehicles, including budget models priced below $10,000. The company is collaborating with AI startup DeepSeek to enhance the capabilities of its autonomous driving systems, marking a significant step in its technological evolution.
BYD’s new “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system will be integrated into at least 21 vehicle models, including the Seagull hatchback, priced at ¥69,800 ($9,550). This technology, which includes features such as remote parking and autonomous highway navigation, was previously reserved for higher-end vehicles. In comparison, Tesla offers similar features starting from $32,000, giving BYD a competitive advantage by providing advanced self-driving capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
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“At BYD, we believe autonomous driving is no longer a distant dream. It’s becoming a necessary tool, much like safety belts or airbags,” said BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, during a live-streamed event. The integration of DeepSeek’s AI technology is expected to significantly improve the performance, efficiency, and personalization of BYD’s self-driving systems. DeepSeek, a rising AI startup, made headlines recently with its innovative chatbot, which has been touted as a low-cost competitor to U.S. tech giants. This collaboration with BYD gives the automaker access to cutting-edge AI technology that can compete with international offerings, strengthening its position in the rapidly growing EV market.
The announcement sent BYD’s shares soaring by 4.5% to a record high in Hong Kong, reflecting strong investor confidence. This surge followed a nearly 20% rise in anticipation of the event, underscoring the market’s optimism about BYD’s future. China, which boasts the largest automotive market in the world, is currently witnessing a fierce price war among electric vehicle manufacturers. In 2024, nearly 11 million electric and hybrid vehicles were sold in China, representing a more than 40% year-on-year increase. BYD accounted for approximately 4.2 million of these sales, surpassing Tesla’s quarterly revenue for the first time in the third quarter of 2024.
BYD’s decision to incorporate advanced self-driving technology into budget-friendly models signals a shift in the company’s strategy. “We’re no longer focused solely on price cutting. In 2025, we’re upgrading our functions to stay ahead of the competition,” analysts from Nomura explained. The company aims to differentiate itself by offering high-tech features in more affordable vehicles, setting a new standard for the industry. Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, commented, “This puts BYD firmly back in the driver’s seat, dictating the pace of technological features.”
