Tesla's China rival Zeekr to roll out advanced driver assistance-system for free

Tesla's China rival Zeekr to roll out advanced driver assistance-system for free

  • 18.03.2025 12:19
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: danger, danger

Chinese EV company Zeekr is offering an advanced driver-assistance system for free to compete with Tesla in China. The system uses Nvidia chips and lidar technology, reflecting the growing focus on autonomous features among EV brands.

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Estimated market influence

Zeekr

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Zeekr is rolling out advanced driver assistance for free to compete with Tesla.

Nvidia

Nvidia

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Nvidia's chips are used in Zeekr's driver-assistance system, boosting their presence in the EV market.

Context

Analysis of Zeekr's Advanced Driver Assistance System Rollout

Overview

  • Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand, is rolling out an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) for free to local customers.
  • The move aims to compete with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and other EV brands like BYD, XPeng, and Nio.

Strategic Considerations

  • Free ADAS: Zeekr is offering the advanced driver-assistance capabilities at no cost to close the gap with market leaders and establish itself as a top player in China's EV market.
  • Pilot Launch: The system will initially be rolled out to a pilot group before a public release in April.

Technological Specs

  • Hardware: Zeekr's ADAS uses:
    • Two Nvidia Orin X chipsets
    • One lidar unit for enhanced safety and navigation.
  • Upcoming Upgrade: A future version will include:
    • Nvidia's Thor automotive chip
    • One long-range lidar and four short-range lidars.

Competitive Landscape

  • Market Shift: The Chinese EV market has transitioned from a price war to competition over advanced driver-assistance systems.
  • Key Players:
    • BYD plans to roll out point-to-point driver assistance by the end of 2025.
    • XPeng delivers over 30,000 cars monthly, driven in part by its ADAS-equipped P7+ model.
    • Nio offers subscriptions for its ADAS features but has not yet charged users.

Market Trends and Growth

  • Nvidia's Revenue: Nvidia reported a record $570 million in revenue from self-driving platforms in Q4 of the 2025 fiscal year.
  • Lidar Demand: Hesai, a major lidar producer, saw annual shipments more than double for four consecutive years through 2024.

Long-Term Implications

  • Safety Focus: Zeekr emphasizes safety by investing in lidar technology despite higher costs.
  • Global Expansion: The company plans to adapt its ADAS system for international markets, considering regulatory and local demand differences.

Industry Impact

  • Regulatory Considerations: As autonomous driving regulations evolve, Zeekr's approach may influence global standards.
  • Technological Leapfrogging: China's focus on advanced driver-assistance systems could accelerate the adoption of self-driving technology globally.