Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is making waves in the auto industry by offering its advanced driver-assistance system, “God’s Eye,” on most of its models at no additional cost.
This move marks a significant step in enhancing the accessibility of intelligent driving technology, with models priced as low as 69,800 yuan ($9,555) now featuring this innovative system.
The announcement led to a notable surge in BYD’s stock, which rose more than 4% to reach a record high of 330 Hong Kong dollars ($42) in early trading on Tuesday. The move is expected to intensify the ongoing price competition in China’s already cutthroat EV market.
BYD’s “God’s Eye” system, which debuted in 2023, has previously been available only in higher-priced models costing over $30,000. Now, with its expansion to more affordable vehicles, the company aims to democratize intelligent driving features, offering functionalities such as valet parking, adaptive cruise control, and automated braking. These features are made possible by a combination of cameras, radar sensors, and advanced software.
Chairman Wang Chuanfu stated at a recent event in Shenzhen that 2025 would mark the “first year of intelligent driving for all,” suggesting that such technologies will soon be as essential to vehicles as seat belts and airbags. BYD’s expansion into more affordable models demonstrates its ambition to further cement its leadership in the rapidly growing EV and autonomous driving sectors.
In addition to “God’s Eye,” BYD also plans to integrate artificial intelligence from the Chinese startup DeepSeek, which has garnered attention globally for its high-performing chatbot that competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Analysts see this collaboration as a strategic move to boost BYD’s competitive edge, enabling the carmaker to offer intelligent features on par with its rivals.
The timing of this development coincides with increasing pressure on Chinese EV manufacturers to ramp up the capabilities of their vehicles in the face of intense competition from industry giants like Tesla, Xpeng, and Geely Auto. Tesla’s Full-Self Driving features, available in the US for a subscription fee, have yet to be approved for trial in China, leaving a window for local companies like BYD to lead in the region’s autonomous driving race.
With its aggressive pricing and technological advancements, BYD’s latest move has sparked concerns among competitors. Shares of Xpeng and Geely dropped on Tuesday as investors weighed the potential impact of BYD’s expanded features on their market share. Industry analysts, such as Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights, noted that BYD’s shift from price-cutting to upgrading vehicle functions could reshape the competitive landscape.
By offering cutting-edge driver-assistance technology at such an affordable price, BYD is pushing the boundaries of what is expected in the Chinese EV market. The company, which dominates China’s new energy vehicle market with over 32% of the total sales in 2024, is leveraging its scale and software engineering capabilities to make advanced technologies more accessible. For a similar system, other manufacturers typically charge significantly higher prices.
Looking ahead, BYD’s ability to integrate AI and autonomous driving features into its affordable models could help the company maintain its competitive edge, especially in a market that values both cost efficiency and technological innovation. The integration of DeepSeek’s AI into its vehicles is expected to further enhance its offerings, although some analysts have raised concerns about potential challenges in Western markets, particularly with national security considerations.
