Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has added an advanced driver-assistance system to most of its models, offering customers high-end technology at affordable prices. The “God’s Eye” system, introduced in 2023, is now available across price ranges, with entry-level models starting from $9,555. This move has sent shares soaring and fueled concerns about a brutal price war in the world’s largest car market.
Analysts say BYD’s strategy puts pressure on competitors like Tesla, Xpeng, and Geely Auto, who may need to rethink their pricing strategies. The company’s aggressive approach has sparked intense competition, with prices decreasing by 10% last year for suppliers. This move also signals a major shift towards high-level intelligent driving in vehicles, as predicted by BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu.
Wang foresees “2025 as the first year of intelligent driving for all,” and believes this feature will become essential in automobiles like seat belts and airbags. BYD’s market dominance in China has led to over 32% of total new energy vehicle sales, according to the China Passenger Car Association. The company’s plans to integrate AI model DeepSeek into its cars further demonstrate its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The move is seen as a significant challenge for Tesla, which offers similar Full Self-Driving features in the US but awaits regulatory approval for its Chinese market launch. As BYD continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation, its competitors will need to adapt to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving car market.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/11/cars/china-byd-smart-driving-tesla-hnk-intl/index.html