BYD to Offer Tesla-Like Self-Driving Tech in All Models For Free

China’s biggest carmaker BYD has shaken up the electric vehicle industry yet again this week after announcing it will offer cutting-edge self-driving systems on all its vehicles — including its cheapest Seagull model — for free.

The carmaker put 21 models equipped with its “God’s Eye” advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on sale on Monday.

“[We are] starting an era where autonomous driving is for everyone,” BYD’s founder Wang Chuanfu said at a livestreamed launch event.

Also on AF: More Concern on DeepSeek’s Data Policies After ByteDance Link

The technology is “no longer an unattainable luxury, but an essential tool . . . like safety belts and airbags”, Wang was quoted as saying by The Financial Times.

BYD has deployed three different versions of the “God’s Eye” ADAS across its line-up. All three offer automated parking and lane-keeping features, with the basic version – available on models costing up to 219,800 yuan ($30,078.69) – enabling autonomous driving on highways. The driver must keep their hands on the wheel and take control when necessary.

Two higher-end versions will be installed on more expensive BYD-branded cars and its premium Denza and Yangwang brands. These will enable a car to drive autonomously — though also under human supervision — in more complex urban traffic.

BYD’s move to introduce self-driving to its cheapest EV models — priced as low as just $9,555 — far undercuts its rivals.

Analysts say it could start a new price war in an already hyper-competitive market, comparing it to how China’s DeepSeek recently roiled the global AI sector with its low prices.

The “era of smart driving popularisation has come,” Nomura analysts wrote in a note on BYD’s announcement.

Shares in Chinese automakers Xpeng and Geely Auto tumbled on Tuesday on concern they will struggle to compete against BYD’s move.

Fresh struggles for Musk’s Tesla

BYD’s market-breaking move is also likely to deliver a deep blow to its closest rival Tesla at a time when the Elon Musk-led carmaker is already struggling to shore up sales.

Tesla has these ADAS features available in China in its EVs priced from $32,000. It charges $8,000 for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistant software in the United States, or $99 a month on a subscription basis. FSD is not yet available in China.

Tesla share prices tumbled 3.8% on Tuesday [1621 GMT], against a smaller 0.1% fall on the broader Nasdaq Composite index.

The carmaker is already struggling with a sharp slump in sales as consumers grow increasingly wary of Musk’s divisive politics. Tesla stock is down more than 11% in the past five trading sessions.

In contrast, BYD’s shares are up nearly 17% over the past five trading sessions.

The European challenge

BYD’s offerings could also weigh on Tesla’s sales in Europe, where a phenomenon dubbed as “Tesla shame” has led potential buyers and existing owners to steer clear of the once pioneer EV-maker.

BYD already enjoys steep price margins in European markets, compared to its local rivals, despite facing an additional 17% tariffs on its shipments to the bloc.

It remains to be seen, however, how much of BYD’s ADAS technology will be available in Europe, where autonomous driving regulations are stricter than in the US. Tesla’s FSD tech is only partially available in the region so far.

For now, BYD has listed its Dolphin compact electric car — which it also sells in Europe — on the list of models that will be equipped with ‘God’s Eye.’

• Vishakha Saxena, with Reuters

Also read:

China’s BYD Beat Tesla Again in EV Sales in Q4 Last Year – SCMP

BYD Promises Driving Range of Over 2000km With New Hybrid Tech

Brazil to Fine BYD For Each Worker Found Doing ‘Slave Labour’

Tesla Sees Record Year in China Despite First Global Sales Slump

China’s BYD Gaining Greater Sales, May Outsell Ford, Honda

BYD Sales Boom in Southeast Asia While Tesla Growth Slows

In U-Turn, Elon Musk Says US Tariffs on Chinese EVs ‘Not Good’

Trump Planning to Clamp Down on Chinese EV Supply Chains

Chinese Electric Vehicles Selling Well in Non-Tariff Norway

Brazil Now Top Destination For Chinese EVs As Exports Explode

Musk May Build China Data Centre for Tesla Self Driving System

Vishakha Saxena

Vishakha Saxena is the Multimedia and Social Media Editor at Asia Financial. She has worked as a digital journalist since 2013, and is an experienced writer and multimedia producer. As a trader and investor, she is keenly interested in new economy, emerging markets and the intersections of finance and society. You can write to her at [email protected]

Keep your files stored safely and securely with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. With over 69,505 ratings and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, this product has been purchased over 8K+ times in the past month. At only $129.99, this Amazon’s Choice product is a must-have for secure file storage.

Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Order now for just $129.99 on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!