BYD Executive VP Calls for Tesla Partnership to Defeat ICE Vehicles

In a significant shift towards fostering collaboration in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, the world-leading Chinese automaker, has proposed that her company and Tesla unite forces against the looming threat of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While both companies are heavyweights in the EV market, their rivalry has largely been one of competition. Now, BYD is suggesting a new angle: cooperation. The idea? To transform the global auto industry, rid it of ICE vehicles, and create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

A Shift in Perspective: BYD and Tesla against ICE Vehicles

Stella Li made her bold statement at a BYD showroom in London, telling the Financial Times that her company is ready to collaborate with Tesla to battle the dominance of combustion-engine cars. Li emphasized that the mutual goal should be to drive the industry’s transformation towards EVs and sustainable technology. “Our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car. We need to work together… to make the industry change,” she remarked.

While both BYD and Tesla are fiercely competing for a larger slice of the global EV market, Li’s comments reflect a broader push within China’s auto industry to promote greater cooperation, despite growing geopolitical tensions. Li also pointed out that China is becoming increasingly open to sharing innovation, a sentiment she believes could dispel any misperceptions surrounding the nation’s trade policies.

Li highlighted China’s EV market as a model for the rest of the world, even amid concerns about a global slowdown in electric vehicle adoption. She pointed out that consumers continue to opt for EVs because they are “better cars,” “smarter cars,” and ultimately of higher quality.

Autonomous Driving and Industry Shifts

In addition to this call for collaboration, BYD and Tesla are both at the forefront of developing autonomous driving technologies. BYD recently launched its “God’s Eye” self-driving system for its vehicles in China, rolling it out as a free feature for its customers. Tesla, likewise, has introduced its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in the Chinese market, with positive reviews noting its efficiency in handling complex urban roads. This shared commitment to autonomous driving shows that both companies are eager to push the envelope on next-generation vehicle technology.

Despite their rivalry, it is clear that the success of electric and autonomous vehicles might rely more on synergy than competition. Tesla and BYD share common goals of reducing pollution and advancing mobility technology—goals that align better with collaboration than confrontation.

What Undercode Says:

The increasing rhetoric around collaboration in the electric vehicle industry highlights a larger shift in the way automakers view competition. Historically, companies in the automotive sector have prided themselves on maintaining a competitive edge by developing proprietary technologies and exclusive market strategies. However, when it comes to the EV and autonomous driving revolutions, the industry faces a monumental challenge: the need to collectively replace a global fleet of over a billion internal combustion vehicles. For this transformation to succeed, it might require unprecedented cooperation between industry titans, even if it means sharing some of their secrets and technologies.

Stella

Li’s remark that “our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car” also underscores the urgency with which this transformation must occur. As we enter a new era of electrification, every step forward in reducing the world’s reliance on gasoline or diesel vehicles is critical. This common enemy offers a powerful unifying factor for automakers, especially when considering the mounting pressure from governments around the world to curb carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.

Both BYD and Tesla’s moves in autonomous driving reflect a broader trend: the rush to make cars safer, smarter, and fully integrated into future transportation ecosystems. Tesla’s progress with Full Self-Driving, and BYD’s launch of its own autonomous system, signifies that both companies are positioning themselves as leaders in what could be the next phase of vehicle automation. As governments move to legalize and regulate autonomous driving, the need for a seamless, universal system will grow, making any collaboration between automakers who are developing such systems essential.

Furthermore, the geopolitical angle Li touched upon—China’s openness to innovation despite trade tensions—is significant. China has positioned itself as a leader in EV production and adoption. As the US and Europe continue to lag in some aspects of EV infrastructure and adoption, the potential for cross-border partnerships becomes increasingly valuable. If Tesla and BYD can cooperate despite their home-country political differences, this could pave the way for more international collaborations in the future, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

By working together, companies can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles globally, which is critical if we are to meet emissions reduction targets. However, this cooperation also raises questions about market competition. Will these alliances ultimately hurt smaller manufacturers who can’t afford to form similar partnerships? Or, will the rise of EV giants foster a new ecosystem where innovation thrives on shared goals?

Fact-Checker Results

1. China’s EV Market Influence: Stella

Autonomous Driving Technology: Both BYD and Tesla have introduced advanced autonomous driving systems in their home markets, and reviews suggest positive reception for Tesla’s FSD in China.
Geopolitical Tensions and EV Adoption: While trade tensions between China and the West are rising, the need for a sustainable future might encourage unusual collaborations between companies from different countries.

References:

Reported By: https://www.teslarati.com/byd-executive-vp-stella-li-tesla-team-up-vs-ice/
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