Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set to equip its entire vehicle lineup with its ‘God’s Eye’ self-driving system, integrating DeepSeek AI technology. This move aims to bolster BYD’s competitiveness and challenge Tesla’s dominance in the global electric vehicle market.
This advanced driver-assistance system will be implemented even in BYD’s most budget-friendly models, including the Seagull, which costs just £7,750. This democratization of sophisticated technology contrasts with typical market practices, where such features are often reserved for premium vehicles. The ‘God’s Eye’ system will provide features like remote parking via smartphones and autonomous overtaking capabilities.
The ‘God’s Eye’ system is available in three tiers: ‘God’s Eye A,’ ‘God’s Eye B,’ and ‘God’s Eye C,’ each offering a different a set of capabilities, enhancing the offerings across BYD’s three distinct brands.
The top-tier ‘God’s Eye A’, featuring three LiDAR sensors, will be exclusive to BYD’s high-end Yangwang brand. The mid-tier ‘God’s Eye B’ system, with a single LiDAR unit, will be installed in the semi-premium Denza brand and flagship BYD vehicles. The entry-level ‘God’s Eye C’ utilizes 12 cameras and 12 ultrasonic radar sensors, offering highway autonomous navigation with plans to expand to city streets. All three variants will be integrated with DeepSeek AI to enhance their capabilities.
At an event in Shenzhen, BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, declared the system’s launch would usher in “an era where autonomous driving is for everyone.” He emphasized that advanced driver-assistance systems were “no longer an unattainable luxury, but an essential tool… like safety belts and airbags.” This is a notable shift, as BYD, despite holding the position of China’s leading EV producer, has previously been perceived as behind in self-driving technology. BYD has now joined other Chinese automakers, including Geely, Great Wall Motor, and Leapmotor, in employing DeepSeek AI within their vehicle systems.
This announcement follows DeepSeek’s recent impact on financial markets. Analysts suggest that DeepSeek integration will enable more advanced in-car voice commands and boosted AI functionalities. Following the announcement of the ‘God’s Eye’ system, BYD’s shares listed in Hong Kong surged by 21% over five trading sessions. According to S&P Global Mobility analyst Lu Daokuan, the system “filled the void” in the self-driving market for cars priced below £16,611. In China, where only about 8.5% of light vehicles currently feature Level 2 partial automation, consumers are demonstrating a greater willingness to pay for advanced in-car technology.
This move puts pressure on competitors, particularly Tesla, which is seeking Beijing’s approval for its ‘full self-driving’ software. Lu Daokuan from S&P Global Mobility stated that “No matter whether on hardware specifications or smart-driving functions, BYD’s cars are taking the lead over all the competitors in the segment.”
