Li Auto plans to integrate LiDAR sensors as a standard feature on all new models this year, including updated versions of its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and upcoming battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Chinese media outlet 36kr reported on Wednesday. The move comes as competition in China’s smart driving sector intensifies.
Li Auto currently offers two smart driving solutions: AD Pro for lower-priced variants and AD Max for premium versions. AD Pro, powered by Horizon Roboticsâ Journey 5 chip with a computing power of 128 TOPS, currently lacks LiDAR and relies on supplier QCraft for its algorithms, limiting its autonomous driving capabilities to highways.
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Meanwhile, AD Max, which utilizes dual Nvidia Orin X chips with a combined 508 TOPS computing power, features an AT128 LiDAR sensor from Hesai Technology and supports urban NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) in addition to highway pilot assist.
The upcoming AD Pro system will also be equipped with LiDAR, marking a significant upgrade. Some models will feature the Horizon Robotics J6M chip while continuing to rely on QCraftâs algorithms. The upgraded AD Pro will introduce memory pilot functionality in urban settings, and Li Auto is reportedly considering integrating urban NOA into the system, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter.
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Li Autoâs decision follows BYDâs recent unveiling of its vehicle intelligence strategy, which introduced smart driving updates for 21 models. The growing competition has prompted Li Auto to accelerate its plans, shifting its focus toward enhancing autonomous driving capabilities. Industry insiders cited by 36kr noted that LiDAR costs have dropped significantly, with Hesaiâs ATX sensors priced at approximately $200 per unit, making large-scale adoption more feasible.