Chinese automaker BYD will introduce its proprietary advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) to a wider range of its vehicles, including more affordable models, the company said on Monday, as competition in the smart electric vehicle (EV) sector intensifies.
BYD’s “God’s Eye” ADAS will be installed in all its models priced above 100,000 yuan ($13,688), founder Wang Chuanfu said during a livestreamed event. The system will also be available in three models priced below that threshold, including the Seal 05 DM-i plug-in hybrid, which starts at 89,800 yuan, Wang added. The company plans to launch 21 new models equipped with the system, but did not provide a specific timeline.
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“The biggest obstacle to smart driving is the high price. At present, models equipped with smart driving often cost more than 200,000 yuan,” Wang said. “I believe that good technology should be accessible to everyone. The popularization of smart driving must take care of everyone, so that everyone can enjoy the safety, comfort and convenience brought by technology.”
BYD’s move could increase pressure on rivals as it seeks to integrate autonomous features into its best-selling Dynasty and Ocean series. The company, which sold nearly 4 million vehicles in 2024, expects economies of scale to help reduce hardware and software costs for its ADAS technology. Currently, BYD offers “God’s Eye” in vehicles priced from $30,000, while Tesla provides similar features in China in EVs starting at $32,000.
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The company joins other Chinese automakers, including SAIC-General Motors-Wuling’s Baojun, Xpeng’s MONA, and Stellantis-backed Leapmotor, in introducing more affordable EVs with highway navigation capabilities under driver supervision. The trend is expected to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven technologies, which are a focal point of competition between Chinese and U.S. automakers.