Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has introduced its advanced driver-assistance system, “God’s Eye,” at no additional cost for most of its models, including those priced under $10,000. This move has sent BYD’s shares surging to a record high.
Customers in China can now access the proprietary driver-assistance technology in models starting from 69,800 yuan ($9,555). Previously, this feature was only available in BYD models priced above $30,000.
The decision is expected to escalate an already intense price war in the world’s largest car market. BYD’s stock rose more than 4% in Hong Kong trading on Tuesday, reaching a record high of 330 Hong Kong dollars ($42), according to Refinitiv data.
“2025 will be the first year of intelligent driving for all,” said BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu during an event in Shenzhen. He predicted that within three years, high-level intelligent driving will become as standard as seat belts and airbags.
BYD, which ranked sixth in global car sales in 2024, accounted for over 32% of China’s new energy vehicle market, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Industry analysts believe this aggressive pricing strategy will pressure competitors like Tesla, Xpeng, and Geely Auto. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology, available in the U.S. for a $99 monthly subscription or an $8,000 one-time payment, has yet to receive regulatory approval in China.
Besides its driver-assistance expansion, BYD announced plans to integrate DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT, into its vehicles. Known for its price-cutting tactics, BYD previously requested a 10% cost reduction from suppliers for 2024, reflecting the ongoing competitive pressures in the EV industry.
