Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is facing a wave of consumer complaints after offering free smart driving features across most of its vehicles on February 10. From February 11 to February 17, over 4,700 complaints were filed on a Chinese auto consumer platform. A significant rise from around 150 complaints the previous week and about 500 in January.
Many complaints are from customers who feel they paid too much for their cars because the new free features weren’t available when they bought them. The Ocean and Dynasty series models are the most affected.
BYD Faces Consumer Backlash Over Smart Driving Features
The increase in complaints highlights the tough challenges automakers face in China’s competitive EV market. The price war and fierce competition are driving companies to cut prices, offer free features, and quickly launch new models.
One standout complaint came from a Seal 06 DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan owner, who was upset to find a newer, upgraded model launched just two weeks after buying his car. The customer asked BYD for free upgrades and compensation.
BYD’s Free Smart Driving Features
On February 10, BYD, based in Shenzhen, unveiled its “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system. It would be available in at least 21 of its electric vehicle models at no extra cost. Shenzhen-listed Chongqing Changan Automobile revealed its EV brand Deepal’s smart driving solutions. The company announced that its S07 SUV, L07 sedan, and S05 SUV would feature the Deepal AD Pro intelligent driving system.
At the event, BYD founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu stated that the move marked “a new era where all customers can access smart driving.” Wang added that the launch of God’s Eye would help BYD maintain its strong market share in China’s auto industry. Adding autonomous driving features to its mid- to low-end EV models is expected to significantly boost BYD’s sales, according to a report from Deutsche Bank on Tuesday. The bank raised its 2025 sales forecast for BYD to 5.6 million units from 5.5 million.
BYD Stock Update
BYD’s stock has experienced a decline, closing at $2.97 on February 17, down 1.98% from the previous close. The recent consumer backlash over the introduction of free smart driving features may have contributed to this decline. In comparison, the stock price on February 10 was $3.03, indicating a 1.98% drop over the two weeks.
