BYD’s smallest and cheapest electric car gets LiDAR self-driving tech

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced that its smallest and most affordable model, known as the Seagull in China and the Atto 1 in Australia, will be equipped with LiDAR sensors for autonomous driving. This upgrade is set to debut in the 2026 version of the Seagull without any increase in price, with the starting cost expected to remain below A$14,250 in its domestic market. The inclusion of advanced driver-assistance technology in such a low-cost EV marks a significant step towards making self-driving features more accessible to the mass market. The new Seagull model will feature a comprehensive sensor suite including 12 cameras, five millimetre-wave radars, a dozen ultrasonic sensors, and a roof-mounted LiDAR unit. This sensor array supports BYD’s Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) system, enabling semi-autonomous driving capabilities on both highways and city streets. Previously, LiDAR technology was typically reserved for EVs priced above A$25,000, so its integration into a budget model highlights BYD’s commitment to democratizing autonomous driving technology. The Seagull is a crucial model for BYD, having sold over one million units globally in less than three years. Its international expansion continues with the Atto 1 in Australia, which launched earlier this year. The Australian variant offers two battery options: a 30 kWh pack delivering around 220 km of WLTP range and a 43.2 kWh pack providing up to 310 km. However, the current Australian Atto 1 models do not yet include the full camera suite or LiDAR sensors found in the latest Chinese versions, though this may change as BYD updates its offerings. Industry observers note that BYD’s move to incorporate LiDAR into its entry-level EVs could accelerate competition in the affordable electric vehicle segment worldwide. As autonomous driving technology becomes more prevalent, even budget-conscious consumers may soon benefit from advanced safety and convenience features previously limited to premium models. The development signals a broader trend towards the integration of sophisticated driver-assistance systems across diverse markets and vehicle categories.