Who Needs a Tesla Now? This EV Brand Launches AI Self-Driving in 2026

For years, Tesla has dominated the conversation around self-driving technology but that dominance may finally be under threat. A major EV brand has announced plans to launch its AI-powered self-driving service as early as next year, potentially beating Tesla to widespread real-world deployment. With advanced sensors, smarter software, and real-time learning, this move could change the balance of power in the EV world and make buyers rethink whether Tesla is still the obvious choice.

NIO ET7

you know what’s funny? it feels more grown-up, like the Tesla’s flashy cousin who actually reads. probably around $70k or something. I sat in one once all screens and soft seats that smelled like expensive glue. I kinda liked it, but it made me nervous how quiet it was.

XPeng G9

this thing looks like someone designed it just to troll Tesla. big, boxy, trying too hard but also… kinda cool. like a dad sneaker with wheels. I heard it’ll be one of the first to use that AI self-driving thing early next year. $60,000-ish? seems fair if you like showing off. I still can’t shake that weird tech-lab smell some new EVs have though. like, electronic dust or something.

BYD Seal

BYD’s popping up everywhere lately. I used to think they made, like, budget stuff, but this Seal thing? not bad. drives nice apparently, looks a little like a Model 3 that had a glow-up. I like the name though, sounds chill. “the Seal.” around $40,000 if I remember right, which… not bad for something that might park itself while you sip your coffee.

Zeekr 001

sounds like a video game character, right? Zeekr. the name makes me laugh, but good lord it’s fast. like, you tap the pedal and it’s gone. I haven’t even sat in one but there’s this guy in my gym who won’t shut up about his. $65k or something, he says. I don’t even know if he’s bragging or warning me.

Polestar 3

I’m weirdly obsessed with Polestars. they look clean, like something from a minimalist’s dream. Volvo’s tech DNA but cooler. The Polestar 3 is probably around $85,000 (ouch), but it feels… responsible? like eco-friendly luxury in yoga pants. I saw one at night once, all lit up, and thought if this thing drives itself, I’d literally nap inside without guilt.

Rivian R1S

the Rivian’s like… camping for people who don’t want to smell like camp. I love it though. strong stance, colors look earthy in a sci-fi way. now that self-driving’s coming, it’s going to feel like a Pixar character moving on its own. maybe $90k, depending on how many latte holders you add. I once saw one near a beach, parked perfectly maybe it was already driving itself, who knows.

Lucid Air

mmm, Lucid. this one’s the slick one. it always looks clean, like it just came out of a futuristic car spa. kinda feels soulless though, like if an iPhone turned into a sedan. I think they start at $80,000? I’m not sure who buys them but they definitely meditate and own expensive candles. if that AI system comes here, I bet it’s smooth. maybe too smooth.

NIO EC6

I call this the “I dunno” car it’s like a crossover but doesn’t fully commit. still, it’s comfy. I sat in one in Shanghai once (long story) and remember it had this smell, like new tech plastic mixed with hand sanitizer. it’s not bad, it’s just… clean. clinical. Probably $55k or so. can’t believe it’ll drive itself soon, that’s both awesome and slightly terrifying.

XPeng P7

this one feels underrated. kinda like the kid who’s smarter than everyone in class but too quiet to care. when self-driving rolls out, this is probably the car that won’t brag about it, it’ll just do it. $50,000 give or take. sleek, weirdly pretty, and probably laughing at Tesla’s drama right now.