DeepSeek to Power Self-Driving Tech in BYD Vehicles

Chinese automotive giant BYD has announced plans to equip nearly all its vehicles, including budget-friendly models under $10,000, with advanced self-driving technology.

The company will incorporate AI startup DeepSeek’s software into its cars, joining industry peers like Geely, Great Wall Motors, and Leapmotor in leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced autonomy.

As Tesla’s biggest competitor in China and an expanding player globally, BYD’s announcement on Monday has sparked speculation about an impending price war in the EV market.

The system offers remote parking and autonomous highway navigation—features typically reserved for higher-end vehicles. Tesla’s comparable functionalities are available in EVs starting at $32,000.

“Autonomous driving is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s becoming an essential tool,” BYD founder Wang Chuanfu stated during a live-streamed event on Monday.

He predicted that self-driving technology would soon be as indispensable as seat belts or airbags.

BYD believes that integrating DeepSeek’s AI will enhance self-driving capabilities while delivering a more personalized driving experience.

DeepSeek recently made headlines after launching a chatbot reportedly capable of competing with American AI models at a fraction of the cost.

Following the announcement, BYD shares surged 4.5% to a record high in Hong Kong on Tuesday, continuing an upward trend that saw a nearly 20% increase in the days leading up to the event.

China’s auto industry, the largest in the world, has been locked in an intense price war as dozens of EV manufacturers battle for market dominance.

BYD accounted for approximately 4.2 million of these sales, surpassing Tesla in quarterly revenue for the first time in Q3.