BYD believes good tech should be available to everyone. The world’s largest EV maker is making smart driving more affordable by upgrading its top-selling EVs with new tech, for free. Even its cheapest model, the Seagull, which starts at under $10,000 (69,900 yuan), is getting a smart upgrade.
BYD EVs just got a free smart driving upgrade
At its vehicle intelligence event, BYD launched 21 of its top-selling models, which now include its “God Eye” smart driving system. Even better: There’s no extra charge for the new tech.
BYD’s CEO, Wang Chuanfu, said during a live-streamed event that “good technology should be available to everyone.” That’s why the company is giving its top-selling electric cars a smart upgrade for free.
BYD announced during the event that 11 EVs from its Ocean Series are getting the upgrade. The lineup includes some of its best sellers, including the Seagull, Dolphin, and Seal EV models. Vehicles from other lineups, such as the Han, Song, and Yuan, will also feature the new tech, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the Seal 05 DM-i.
Smart driving features are typically reserved for more premium models, like Tesla. In China, the Model 3 starts at just over $32,000 (235,500 yuan).
Until now, BYD has only offered its God Eye smart driving system on higher-priced models. “At present, models equipped with smart driving tech often cost more than 200,000 yuan ($28,000),” BYD’s CEO said at the event.
BYD revealed three new Gods Eye levels with varying levels of tech for different models. The “Gods Eye C” will be used for BYD-brand vehicles, such as the Seagull. It includes 12 cameras, five wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
The middle option, “Gods Eye B,” gets added LiDAR and will be used for its premium Denza and Dang Cheng Bao lineups.
BYD’s luxury Yangwang will feature the “Gods Eye A” with three LiDARS and the company’s most powerful DiPliot 600 system. BYD showed off its smart driving tech with a driverless Yangwang U9 electric supercar jumping over spikes. Check it out in the video below.
Electrek’s Take
For the first time last year, BYD outsold auto giants like Honda and Nissan, and it expects even more growth in 2025.
The company sold more than 4.25 million passenger vehicles last year, up 40% from the 3 million BYD sold the previous year.
Not only that, but BYD is also making money while doing it. According to a recent study, BYD ranked first in car sales revenue in China last year. Although its vehicles sold for just under $17,000 on average, BYD topped Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen, with an average vehicle selling price of around $60,000 and $20,000, respectively.
With new smart driving tech rolling out, BYD is laying the groundwork for bigger profits in the coming years.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD
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