China’s electric vehicle (EV) makers could introduce a “lidar” sensor-based intelligent driving system in models priced as low as RMB 60,000 (US$8,795) this year, reports the South China Morning Post.
This price point is the lowest for models on sale in China’s market, excluding mini vehicles sold for less than RMB 50,000, indicating fierce competition among Chinese carmakers amid the phasing out of policy incentives.
Notably, light detection and ranging (lidar) systems were historically reserved for high-end models or premium trims, as they are a cornerstone of advanced automotive safety due to their ability to provide precise road data during extreme conditions, such as heavy fog. This exclusivity was largely driven by the high manufacturing costs of components.