BYD Now Offers Advanced Driver Tech in Cars Under $10,000

Chinese EV giant BYD has stunned the automotive world by rolling out its advanced “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system in vehicles priced as low as 69,800 yuan (around $9,555). Previously available only in models over $30,000, this smart driving technology is now standard in most of BYD’s lineup, dramatically shifting expectations for entry-level electric cars.

Market Reacts as BYD Shares Hit Record High

Investors welcomed the news, pushing BYD’s stock up more than 4% in early Hong Kong trading. Shares hit a record high of 330 Hong Kong dollars (about $42), reflecting confidence that BYD’s tech-first, price-aggressive strategy could widen its lead in the global EV race.

2025: The Year Smart Driving Goes Mainstream

At a company event in Shenzhen, Chairman Wang Chuanfu declared 2025 “the first year of intelligent driving for all.” Comparing advanced driving features to seat belts and airbags, Wang predicted they’ll become standard across the industry within three years.

Rivals Feel the Pressure, Tesla Included

The move puts immediate pressure on competitors. Tesla, which charges $8,000 or $99 per month for its Full Self-Driving system in the U.S., is still awaiting approval to offer it in China. Analysts say BYD’s pricing could force Tesla and others to rethink how they sell autonomous features in such a price-sensitive market.

Chinese EV Makers Take a Hit

Chinese competitors like Xpeng and Geely Auto saw share prices dip following BYD’s announcement. With BYD’s new low-cost tech rollout, these brands may be forced to accelerate development or slash prices to keep pace in the ultra-competitive Chinese EV sector.

BYD Adds AI Firepower with DeepSeek Integration

In another bold step, BYD revealed it will integrate DeepSeek, an AI chatbot rivaling ChatGPT, into future vehicles. This could bring smarter voice assistance and more intuitive in-car features, as BYD continues to blur the line between EV maker and tech innovator.