BYD Introduces Advanced Driver Assistance for EVs Under $10,000

By Madelaine Panganiban

Updated: Feb 12 2025, 05:40 AM EST

BYD Introduces Advanced Driver Assistance for EVs Under $10,000 — People look at a BYD Seagull car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD Auto at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi on March 27, 2024. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD has taken a significant step in making smart driving technology more accessible, introducing its "God's Eye" advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) for vehicles priced under $10,000.

This groundbreaking move is expected to change the landscape of the EV market, particularly in China, and has helped propel BYD's shares to a record high.

Previously, the "God's Eye" system, which helps with car navigation and safety, was only available in higher-end BYD models costing more than $30,000.

Now, it is available in models priced as low as 69,800 yuan ($9,555), making the technology accessible to a broader range of consumers, CNN said.

The system will be added to at least 21 different BYD EV models, and, significantly, it will come at no extra cost to buyers.

⚡️ #BYD Expands Driver Assistance Features Across 21 Models Without Raising Priceshttps://t.co/njK0vmuOvg
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BYD's New Autonomous Driving System Could Shake Up China's EV Price War

BYD's move could spark a new wave of competition in China's already intense EV market. Tesla, a major competitor, charges $99 per month or $8,000 for its Full Self-Driving features in the US but has not yet launched its full autonomous driving system in China.

BYD's strategy challenges Tesla's subscription-based model, potentially forcing the company to reconsider its approach when entering the Chinese market.

Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD, predicted that by 2025, intelligent driving systems will become as essential as seat belts and airbags in vehicles.

This announcement aligns with BYD's broader strategy to dominate the EV market in China, where it currently holds a 32% share of new energy vehicle sales in 2024.

According to SCMP, the introduction of the "God's Eye" system is expected to increase BYD's market share and boost its sales significantly.

Analysts believe that this shift toward affordable autonomous driving technology will have a ripple effect, with other Chinese automakers, such as Xpeng and Geely, likely to follow suit and offer similar features in their EVs.

As the price war between automakers intensifies, BYD's approach could set a new benchmark for low-cost smart driving solutions, benefiting consumers and accelerating the adoption of autonomous driving in China.