BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, has signed a strategic agreement with Huawei to integrate Huawei's advanced autonomous driving system into its Fangchengbao electric off-road vehicles. The Bao 8 SUV, a new model under the Fangchengbao brand, will be the first BYD vehicle to feature Huawei's Qiankun intelligent driving system and is set to launch later this year.

This partnership aligns with BYD's strategy to upscale its premium brands, including Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang, to boost profitability. Currently, these premium brands account for just 5% of BYD's total sales, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The collaboration with Huawei underscores the growing role of the Chinese tech company in the EV sector as a major supplier of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). For instance, Volkswagen's Audi will also utilize Huawei’s ADAS in its EVs for the Chinese market.

The Qiankun intelligent driving ADS 3.0 system, featured in the Bao 8, provides a safety-first network architecture with enhanced collision prevention capabilities. It supports higher braking speeds and shorter stopping distances, and includes features such as “car-to-car” full-scenario navigation, remote parking, and parking assistance.

The Bao 8, the second product from the Fangchengbao brand, is designed as a super hybrid smart off-road SUV. It combines the 2.0T DMO super hybrid off-road platform with a full-function intelligent hydraulic chassis control system, delivering powerful performance, comfortable driving, and advanced intelligent driving experiences.

The BYD-Huawei partnership marks a significant development in intelligent driving technology and promises to deliver a new level of smart off-road driving experience. The Bao 8 is currently in the vehicle testing phase and is expected to offer consumers a fresh and innovative driving experience once it hits the market later this year.