DeepSeek's mobility integration is making waves in China’s transport sector. Companies like automotive giants and e-scooter manufacturers are now incorporating advanced AI into their products. This wave of adoption began with primary electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and has recently expanded to include China's leading electric two-wheeler brands.
DeepSeek’s Mobility Integration Transforms the Auto Industry
Recent reports from the South China Morning Post reveal that over a dozen Chinese automakers are announcing plans to integrate DeepSeek's AI technology into their vehicles. Notably, industry leaders such as BYD are among those committing to this technology along with established names like Geely, Great Wall Motor, Chery Automobile, and SAIC Motor, along with emerging players like Leapmotor.
BYD’s commitment is particularly impressive. The company plans to integrate DeepSeek into its Xuanji vehicle software platform. This integration will allow BYD to offer preliminary self-driving capabilities across nearly all its models without altering the price. This accessibility marks a significant turning point for consumers interested in autonomous driving.
The initiative will cover around 20 models, including the affordable Seagull hatchback, which is currently priced at 69,800 yuan (approximately US$9,575). This demonstrates how DeepSeek's technology is not only innovative but also affordable, potentially appealing to a larger audience.
E-Scooter Brands Join the DeepSeek Bandwagon
DeepSeek's influence has also reached China’s e-scooter sector. Companies like Segway-Ninebot Group, backed by Xiaomi, and Nasdaq-listed Niu Technologies are working to embed AI in their electric two-wheelers.
On a recent announcement, Segway-Ninebot stated that it would "deeply integrate DeepSeek" into its lineup of products. This move promises enhanced features through its mobile app, focusing on AI-powered content creation, data analytics, personalized recommendations, and intelligent services for riders.
Niu Technologies reported that it has integrated DeepSeek's large language models since February 9 this year. The goal is to leverage this technology for various innovations:
- Driver assistance systems
- Riding safety features
- AI-powered travel companions
- Voice interaction capabilities
- Intelligent service recommendations
Yadea Group, the world's top electric two-wheeler manufacturer by sales, also announced plans to include DeepSeek’s technology in its product ecosystem.
The 'DeepSeek Fever'
The rapid adoption of DeepSeek in the mobility sector reflects what many industry observers refer to as "DeepSeek fever." The technology’s cost-effective approach to AI integration is appealing to many companies.
DeepSeek is based in Hangzhou and its open-source AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, run at a fraction of the cost and computing power typically required for large language model projects. This has opened the door for many smaller players to participate in advanced AI development.
Phate Zhang, founder of Shanghai-based EV data provider CnEVPost, believes that cars without DeepSeek will struggle to compete in the marketplace. This observation highlights the urgent need for manufacturers to embrace this technology to maintain their market share.
The Global Expansion of E-Scooter Brands
The expansion of DeepSeek mobility integration comes at a crucial time when Chinese e-scooter companies are gaining traction in overseas markets. Customs data indicates that the value of electric two-wheeler exports surged by 27.6% to US$5.82 billion in 2024. Remarkably, this exceeds the previous peak of US$5.31 billion recorded in 2022. Additionally, export volume increased by 47%, reaching a staggering 22.13 million units.
According to research firm IDC, DeepSeek's open-source model has created a collaborative innovation ecosystem via platforms like GitHub. This allows developers to actively participate in optimizing and testing the technology's security. Such collaboration is crucial for improving companies' ability to deploy, train, and utilize large language models effectively.
The Future of DeepSeek in China’s Transport Sector
The impact of DeepSeek mobility integration on China’s transport sector appears to be steadily increasing. Zhang Yongwei, the general secretary of China EV100, has projected that by 2025, approximately 15 million cars—which signify two-thirds of national sales—will be equipped with preliminary autonomous driving systems. This underscores the transformative potential of DeepSeek technology in reshaping China's transport landscape.
This growing trend can set the stage for significant advancements in the way we approach transportation in the coming years. As companies increasingly adopt AI technologies like DeepSeek, we may see a shift in consumer expectations and mobility solutions.
In conclusion, as the founder of Axie Consulting, I believe that the evolution of AI in mobility, driven by companies like DeepSeek, offers incredible opportunities for businesses looking to innovate. If you need guidance on integrating AI technologies into your processes, our team at Axie Consulting is here to assist you.