HUD Navigation on Chinese EVs — Complete Guide (2026)

HUD (heads-up display) projects key information onto the windshield. Once a premium-brand exclusive on BMW and Mercedes, now standard on most mid- and premium-priced Chinese EVs. This article covers how HUD works on BYD, AITO, Avatr and other Chinese cars, and what we do during localization.

What HUD is and why it matters

HUD projects information onto the lower windshield, in the driver's field of view. No need to look down at the instrument cluster — all vital data appears right in front of you. Speed, drive mode, next turn navigation, distance to the car ahead, ADAS warnings.

Studies show HUD reduces driver reaction time by 15-20% in critical situations. That's why Chinese OEMs push HUD even on mid-tier models — it's a differentiator in the segment.

Three HUD types on Chinese EVs

1. Simple projection (C-HUD)

Plastic combiner screen on the dashboard reflecting the projector image. Shows basic info: speed, navigation turns, drive mode. Installed on BYD Han, Tang, Song Plus, Deepal S07, Leapmotor C11/C16, Roewe M7. Simple, reliable, limited in functionality.

2. Advanced projection (W-HUD)

Direct projection onto the windshield without a plastic combiner. Larger, brighter image. Shows more info: navigation details, ADAS warnings, calls, music. Installed on AITO M5/M7, Denza N7, Avatr 07, Deepal G318, S09. Top-tier projection quality.

3. AR-HUD (augmented reality)

Most advanced technology. Projects navigation arrows onto the actual road — the arrow visually "sticks" to the intended turn. Uses cameras and LiDARs for positioning. Installed on AITO M9, Avatr 11/12, Denza N9. Works only with the car's integrated navigation.

What we do during HUD localization

Stock Chinese firmware displays HUD in Simplified Chinese. Required modifications: translate all text elements (speed, modes, warnings), configure display of Latin/Cyrillic (correct fonts, sizing), integrate with English navigation (Google Maps or Waze for voice-guided HUD prompts), localize ADAS warnings.

Special case — AR-HUD. On AITO M9 and Avatr 11, AR-HUD is hard-locked to the Chinese navigation system. We can't just "translate" it — we need integration of English navigation with the actual AR rendering. This is the most complex part of premium-model localization.

What can and can't be changed

Can: 1) Translate all texts. 2) Configure which fields are shown. 3) Integrate English voice navigation prompts. 4) Adjust projection size and position.

Cannot: 1) Add HUD to a model that doesn't have it (hardware feature). 2) Add AR-HUD to non-AR models (needs cameras + LiDARs). 3) Fully disable HUD (needed for ADAS warnings).

Cost and timing of HUD localization

Basic HUD localization (C-HUD and W-HUD) — included in the standard localization package (no extra charge). Adds 30-60 minutes. AR-HUD localization — from $150 extra, adds 2-3 hours due to navigation integration. 1-year warranty on HUD localization.