Musk’s Tesla dream going up in smoke

One of Elon Musk’s most cherished dreams for his mega car company Tesla is in danger of being completely obliterated.

Tesla has long promised full self driving but the EV giant is now facing one of its greatest challenges in this regard yet – China.

Later this month Tesla is planning to launch its long-awaited robotaxi trial in Texas but Chinese automakers are already offering similar self-driving features in cars that cost half as much.

Chinese EV maker Build Your Dreams (BYD) has shocked the globe with its new driver-assistance system “God’s Eye” – so-called because of the three-camera cluster of autonomous driving tech which sits up high behind the windshield – which the auto giant installed for free in some of its models.

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Tesla Robotaxi is due to be rolled out later this month. Picture: Supplied x

The technology allows cars to drive themselves on highways and cities.

Some experts argue “God’s Eye” is more advanced than Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) system, which costs nearly US $9,000 ($13,800) in China.

Shenzhen-based investor and former Tesla owner Taylor Ogan told Reuters that “with God’s Eye, Tesla’s strategy starts to fall apart”.

“I’ve driven both, and BYD’s system is more capable,” he said.

Tesla’s system differs in that the technology relies solely on cameras and AI, avoiding expensive sensors like radar and lidar.

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BYD’s self-driving ‘God’s Eye. Picture: BYD

So-called because of the three-camera cluster of autonomous driving tech which sits up high behind the windshield. Picture: BYD

An analysis by Reuters found that BYD’s cost to build its system, which includes lidar and radar, is roughly the same as that of Tesla’s.

It’s not just BYD who is working on this technology, other Chinese automakers like Leapmotor and Xpeng are also pushing ahead with similar systems in cars priced around US$20,000.

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Tesla’s car looks cooler.

But will that be enough? Picture: AFP

After years of promises and no delivery, Tesla is set to launch a small fleet of 10 to 20 autonomous vehicles in the Texas city of Austin on June 22.

Critics are watching closely as Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD systems remain under investigation after a series of crashes and fatalities.

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Originally published as Musk’s Tesla dream going up in smoke