BYD ventures into autonomous driving tech

Chinese carmaker BYD plans to incorporate autonomous driving technology in its lineup, entering into a joint venture with Beijing-based startup Momenta for this purpose. 

Specific BYD models could come with self-driving tech in the future

A report by Reuters cites Momenta’s press release and an unidentified source as saying that the partnership will be called DiPi Intelligent Mobility Co., to be based in Shenzhen. The venture aims to combine BYD’s capabilities in car manufacturing with Momenta’s background in intelligent driving. 

Pressed with questions about the tie-up, a BYD spokesperson declined to issue further comment on the matter, instead referring to Momenta’s statement for details.  

A total of 100 million yuan (Php 790.1 million) was invested to fund the venture. The anonymous source said that the initial scope of work will involve deploying “Level 2 plus” autonomous driving capabilities across specific BYD model lines. 

Technology giant Apple Inc. is aiming for a 2025 debut of its much-anticipated Apple Car   

Level 2 semi-autonomous cars can independently control most driving aspects such as steering, acceleration, and braking. However, the oversight and intervention of a human driver is still needed. 

Meanwhile, work on Level 3 autonomous driving tech is already underway. Also known as conditional automation, this enables the vehicle itself to monitor the driving environment and perform most tasks, while still allowing a driver to override the function. 

Honda unveiled its Sensing Elite system that features the world’s first Level 3 autonomous driving package, cleared for use in the Japanese market. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will implement its own Level 3 self-driving tech on the S-Class beginning in the first half of 2022.       

Other carmakers are stepping up efforts to develop the next phase in autonomous driving technology

Along with electric vehicles, autonomous driving has become an objective of various carmakers as they forge alliances with technology companies to get a leg up in what is widely perceived as the future in terms of mobility. One of the most high-profile firms on this quest is Apple Inc. as it projected a 2025 release of its much-hyped Apple Car.    

Prior to its deal with BYD, Momenta began offering autonomous robotaxi test rides to the public in partnership with SAIC Mobility, a division of China’s SAIC Motor. Chinese search engine Baidu and self-driving startup Pony.ai secured approval in November to debut their paid driverless robotaxi service in the country’s capital, Beijing. 

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