The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, BYD, recently unveiled its AI-powered Xuanji smart car system at its “Dream Day” event, marking a significant move in the race for the development of smart cars. Designed to enhance safety and comfort, this new system utilizes advanced technology to improve voice recognition and automate parking features.
During the event, BYD founder and CEO, Wang Chuanfu, announced an investment of 100 billion yuan (over $14 billion) in smart car features, without providing a specific timeline. This highlights the company’s commitment to the integration of intelligent systems into its EVs, following its overtaking of Tesla as the world’s largest EV producer.
One of the features already available in BYD’s vehicles is the “Navigate on Autopilot” system, similar to Tesla’s famous “Autopilot,” which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals in certain scenarios. Additionally, the company plans to introduce innovative additions to its vehicles, such as a vehicle-mounted drone in the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV and a detachable steering wheel that enables drivers to play video games using the wheel and pedals.
As both BYD and Tesla place significant focus on AI and smart car technology, it is evident that the automotive industry is moving towards the development of intelligent and automated features. While Tesla has faced challenges with its Autopilot feature, BYD’s entry into the AI realm is poised to disrupt the smart car market and intensify competition in this industry.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, companies like BYD are working towards creating a future where intelligent cars with advanced features will become a norm. This shifts the focus from the electrification of vehicles to the integration of intelligence, as highlighted by Wang Chuanfu’s statement at the event: “The first half [of the game] is about electrification, the second half is about intelligence.”
For further information and comments, BYD has not responded to requests made by Business Insider outside normal working hours. This indicates that the company’s attention is currently on executing its ambitious smart car plans and meeting the demands of an industry that is evolving at a rapid pace.
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