The company also revealed its intention to incorporate software from AI startup Deepseek into its vehicles, joining domestic competitors like Geely, Great Wall Motors, and Leapmotor.
As Tesla's primary competitor in China and increasingly in international markets, BYD's announcement on Monday prompted analysts to speculate about the potential onset of a new price war.
The company plans to equip at least 21 models, including the Seagull budget hatchback starting at 69,800 yuan ($9,550), with its “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system.
This system features capabilities such as remote parking and autonomous highway navigation, which were previously available only in higher-end vehicles. In contrast, Tesla offers similar functionalities in its electric vehicles starting at $32,000.
“Autonomous driving is no longer a remote rarity, it’s a… necessary tool,” stated BYD founder Wang Chuanfu during a livestreamed event on Monday.
He predicted that self-driving technology would soon be as essential as safety belts or airbags.
The integration of DeepSeek is expected to enhance BYD's self-driving capabilities and offer a more tailored experience for consumers.
DeepSeek gained attention last month for launching a chatbot that competes with American counterparts at a significantly lower cost.
On Tuesday, BYD's shares rose by 4.5 percent, reaching a record high in Hong Kong, following a nearly 20 percent increase in the days leading up to the announcement.
China's automotive market, the largest in the world, has been embroiled in a prolonged price war among numerous electric vehicle manufacturers vying for market share.
Last year, nearly 11 million electric and hybrid vehicles were sold in China, marking a more than 40 percent increase from 2023.
BYD accounted for approximately 4.2 million of those sales, with its quarterly revenue surpassing Tesla's for the first time in the third quarter.