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BYD's cheapest electric car has just received a free autonomous driving update

The BYD Seagull is now safer and smarter

BYD's cheapest electric car has just received a free autonomous driving update
Chema Carvajal Sarabia

Chema Carvajal Sarabia

  • February 12, 2025
  • Updated: February 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM

The world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer is making smart driving more affordable by upgrading its best-selling electric vehicles with new technology, for free.

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Even its cheapest model, the Seagull, which costs less than $10,000 (69,900 yuan), is receiving a smart upgrade.

At its vehicle intelligence event, BYD launched 21 of its best-selling models, which now include its God Eye intelligent driving system. And even better: there is no additional charge for the new technology.

“The technology that improves the quality of cars should be free”

The general director of BYD, Wang Chuanfu, said during a live-streamed event that “good technology must be within everyone’s reach.” That is why the company is offering a free smart upgrade to its best-selling electric cars.

BYD announced during the event that 11 electric vehicles from its Ocean series will receive the update. The range includes some of its best-selling models, such as the Seagull, Dolphin, and Seal EV models. Vehicles from other ranges, such as Han, Song, and Yuan, will also feature the new technology, including plug-in hybrids (PHEV) like the Seal 05 DM-i.

Smart driving functions are usually reserved for more premium models, such as Tesla. In China, the Model 3 has a starting price of just over $32,000 (235,500 yuan).

So far, BYD has only offered its intelligent driving system God Eye in higher-priced models. BYD revealed three new levels of Gods Eye with different levels of technology 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 mid option, Gods Eye B, incorporates LiDAR and will be used for its premium ranges Denza and Dang Cheng Bao.

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The luxurious Yangwang from BYD will feature the Gods Eye A with three LiDAR and the company’s most powerful DiPliot 600 system. BYD showcased its intelligent driving technology with a driverless electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, jumping over spikes.

Chema Carvajal Sarabia

Chema Carvajal Sarabia

Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.

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