BYD, a prominent new energy vehicle (NEV) maker, recently achieved a significant milestone in the deliveries of its Smart Driving Edition models. The company has been focusing heavily on software enhancements this year, culminating in the delivery of over 1 million units equipped with the God’s Eye smart driving systems. This achievement was announced by BYD on Weibo on July 6.
In line with its commitment to software development, BYD is gearing up to unveil its most extensive smart driving OTA (over-the-air) update yet. This update is expected to enhance the safety and intelligence of the driving experience, although specific details have not been disclosed.
On February 10, BYD launched Smart Driving Edition updates for 21 models, including the budget-friendly Seagull priced at RMB 69,800 ($9,730). This move underscores the company’s emphasis on software capabilities, marking a shift towards more advanced driving systems.
The Smart Driving systems developed by BYD are categorized into three tiers – God’s Eye A, B, and C. God’s Eye A utilizes DiPilot 600 with three LiDARs, primarily for the luxury sub-brand Yangwang. God’s Eye B employs DiPilot 300 with one or two LiDARs for the Denza brand and high-end models. God’s Eye C utilizes DiPilot 100, a camera-based visual solution tailored for more affordable models.
Following the introduction of Smart Driving Editions, BYD has primarily focused on selling these upgraded models, offering discounts on older non-Smart Driving Edition cars to clear inventory. The strategy seems to be paying off, as BYD recorded its highest NEV sales figure of 382,585 units in June and a year-on-year sales increase of 33.04% in the first half of the year.
The Seagull, BYD’s entry-level model, was launched in China in April 2023, further solidifying the company’s commitment to offering a diverse range of smart driving solutions to cater to different market segments.
In conclusion, BYD’s relentless focus on software innovation and smart driving technology has propelled the company to new heights in the NEV market. With the upcoming release of its largest-scale OTA update, BYD is poised to redefine the driving experience with safer and smarter features for its customers.
