Chinese brand's answer to Tesla and BYD: Geely prepares to roll out self-driving technology to its cars such as the Zeekr 7X, Geely EX5 and more to battle the Tesla Model Y and BYD Seal

A new front has opened up in the battle for the hearts and dollars of electric car buyers.

Geely is the latest carmaker to begin rolling out advanced self-driving technology.

The tech, dubbed 'G-Pilot', is aimed at Tesla's 'Full Self Driving' and BYD’s new 'God’s Eye' semi-autonomous driving functions.

Geely just launched in Australia with its new EX5 electric mid-size SUV.

It has been reported that the new technology will be made available in a range of Geely brands going forward, including Zeekr, which launched in Australia in 2024.

It is also possible the new tech will feature in other brands under the Geely umbrella such as Volvo, Polestar, Smart and Lotus.

The tech is available with a range of capabilities, but the fully-loaded version comes with 12 cameras, multiple Lidars and three radars.

2025 Geely EX5 Inspire (Image: John Law)

This means it is capable of full self driving in the future, but it is not yet allowed or trained to do it.

The tech is also AI assisted, which means it is constantly learning and the rollout is likely to be used as broad learning for the tech to help it achieve full self-driving.

For now it can navigate on highways and city streets by itself but always needs a human in charge.

2025 Geely EX5 Inspire (Image: John Law)

Autonomous tech isn’t particularly popular in markets such as Australia, but this advanced technology is highly desirable in China where a massive highway system makes the technology more useful.

Geely's move follows BYD’s recent announcement its God’s Eye technology would be rolled out to its entire range.

Older BYDs are unlikely to be compatible with the new software as they don’t have the necessary hardware — cameras and Lidar systems — to make it work.

2025 Zeekr 7X (Image: Tom White)

Recent spy shots of upgraded BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin models in China show new cameras in the bumper that would allow this tech to work.

A class action lawsuit has been levelled at Tesla in Australia, with its 'Autopilot' feature one of the main points of contention. It is being organised by law firm JGA Saddler and alleges Tesla sold vehicles that were defective in Australia.

It concerns Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built from 2021 onwards that are equipped with the Autopilot feature.

It said the hardware on Tesla vehicles is incapable of supporting fully-autonomous or close to autonomous driving despite claims to the contrary.