BYD Introduces Affordable Self-Driving Car with Autonomous Features

The Chinese automaker BYD has made headlines by equipping all of its vehicles with self-driving capabilities, including its most affordable model. The company has introduced its "God's Eye" driver-assistance system as standard across 21 upgraded models, ranging from the high-end "Yangwang U8" to the budget-friendly "Seagull," a small hatchback priced at just 69,800 yuan (around $9,500).

This price is significantly lower than Tesla's Model 3, making it an attractive option for those seeking an electric vehicle with advanced features. The Seagull will be marketed as the "Dolphin" in Latin America.

BYD's strategy resembles what could be called a "DeepSeek" move in the automotive sector, as it prioritizes efficiency to keep production costs low. The company has implemented innovative solutions, such as a tracking system developed at a cost of only 2,800 yuan ($383), which is a fraction of the typical industry cost of 20,000 yuan ($2,738).

Instead of using expensive laser sensors like many Western car manufacturers, BYD has opted for a combination of cameras and radar technology, contributing to the low price point of its vehicles.

A key component of BYD's self-driving capability is its extensive cloud network, built in collaboration with telecommunications leader Huawei. This "Xuanji Architecture" allows vehicle and cloud AIs to effectively communicate through three layers: car network, 5G, and satellite. Currently, this network processes an impressive 1.2 petabytes of driving data every day.

The "God's Eye" system is available in three configurations. The base model, "God's Eye C," comes equipped with 12 cameras and various radar sensors. A mid-tier "B" option adds a laser sensor, while the high-end "A" configuration includes three additional lasers. Notably, even the entry-level version provides features such as highway self-driving, which are generally reserved for luxury vehicles.

This driver-assistance system includes useful functionalities like remote parking via smartphones and the ability to change lanes and overtake other vehicles on highways. However, it’s important to note that these features still require driver attention and do not offer full autonomy.

For context, Tesla charges $8,000 or $99 per month for its full self-driving option. The recent announcement underscores China's ambition to lead in the competitive global electric vehicle market. Various countries, including those in the European Union, have imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars, ranging from 17% to 35.3%, along with additional duties aimed at enhancing the appeal of Western automakers.

To tackle these trade barriers in Europe, BYD is establishing a manufacturing plant in Hungary and sourcing components from various European nations to ensure market accessibility.

The Seagull has already demonstrated BYD's capacity for high-volume sales, emerging as its best-selling electric car with 453,593 units delivered in China during 2024. The updated version offers enhancements such as front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, all while retaining its 74-horsepower engine and a maximum range of 405 kilometers.

Even with a steep 100% tariff, BYD's affordable model would still be around $10,000 less than the Nissan Leaf, currently the cheapest electric vehicle available in the U.S. market, which has a starting price of $29,280. It's important to note that fully autonomous vehicles are not yet commercially available.

BYD, electric, autonomous