BYD and DJI Unveil Vehicle-Mounted Drone System: The Future of Smart Mobility?

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, in collaboration with drone industry leader DJI, has unveiled the "Lingyuan" system—a pioneering vehicle-mounted drone launch platform. Priced at approximately 16,000 yuan (around $2,197), this innovative system is currently available exclusively in China and can be integrated into any BYD vehicle.

The Lingyuan system features a retractable platform that allows drones to take off and land even while the vehicle is in motion at speeds up to 25 km/h. Once airborne, the drone can autonomously follow the car at speeds up to 54 km/h and has an automatic return capability within a 2-kilometer radius. The package includes a DJI drone—likely the DJI Air 3S—a roof-mounted hangar that charges the drone when docked, and compatible applications for video editing and AI recognition.

This collaboration between BYD and DJI represents a fully integrated system, showcased during a recent launch event in Shenzhen. Additionally, BYD introduced a version of its Bao 8 SUV pre-equipped with the Lingyuan system. This isn't BYD's first venture into drone integration; its luxury brand, Yangwang, previously launched an off-road variant of its U8 SUV equipped with a larger drone system.

The Lingyuan system offers a more affordable alternative to DJI's specialized Dock 3 drone system, which is designed for industrial applications such as power line inspections and emergency response. The Dock 3, capable of launching drones from moving vehicles using an optional gimbal mount, is priced at $21,059 for the Matrice 4D bundle and $23,409 for the Matrice 4TD bundle, excluding installation and additional features.

BYD's Lingyuan system exemplifies the convergence of automotive and drone technologies, offering consumers innovative features that enhance the driving experience.