BYD To Introduce A Drone That Can Be Launched From Its Vehicles Priced at $2,200 | Carscoops

      The Ling Yuan drone system enables you to capture aerial video of your travels without having to stop the car.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      BYD’s new Ling Yuan system features a 4K drone and a roof docking station.

      Charging the drone from 20-80% takes just 30 minutes while driving.

      This drone system will be priced at ¥16,000 ($2,200) across various models.

      Chinese car manufacturer BYD has launched an innovative feature reminiscent of sci-fi films: a drone docking station mounted on the roof. This feature, called the Ling Yuan system, aims to transform your routine drive into an adventure akin to “National Geographic,” or perhaps “Top Gun” for those craving some excitement.

      For a price of ¥16,000 ($2,200), you gain access to a 4K drone, an elegant docking station, and the ability to capture breathtaking aerial footage of your daily routes.

      More: Current BYD Owners Upset as Car Prices Decrease and Features Improve

      This technology was first hinted at with the Yangwang U8 SUV in 2023, but the Bao 8 SUV from the Fang Cheng Bao brand is the first to actually implement it. Rest assured, BYD isn’t just targeting tech enthusiasts or affluent buyers—they aim to make this high-flying innovation available to a wider audience. Therefore, expect it to feature on more BYD models in the future.

      A 4K Drone That Launches While You're Driving

      The Ling Yuan system was developed in collaboration with the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. It consists of a 4K drone and a docking station, occupying an area of 0.29 m² (3.1 square feet) on the vehicle’s roof. The drone hangar has an aerodynamic design and is 215 mm (8.5 inches) tall.

      Once you activate it, the roof opens, and the platform rises, allowing the drone to take flight. Here’s the exciting part: You can launch and control the drone while the vehicle is moving—up to 25 km/h (16 mph). The drone can then track the vehicle at speeds of up to 54 km/h (34 mph) to capture ideal footage, whether you're cruising along highways or tackling off-road paths.

      After capturing the footage, the drone returns to its roof-mounted hangar, where it automatically recharges. The company states that charging from 20-80% takes merely 30 minutes, so occupants won't have to wait long for the next flight.

      The drone can be operated directly from the vehicle's infotainment display or through the Ling Yuan app on smartphones. Moreover, AI software assists in organizing and editing the footage, simplifying the sharing process on your preferred social media platforms.

      In addition to the Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, other models already showcased with this system on their roofs include the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, Titanium 3, Denza N9, BYD Tang L, and BYD Sealion 07 DM-i. This list is expected to expand as more models are introduced.

      At this time, it remains uncertain whether the Ling Yuan system will be available outside of China. However, if you've been hoping to film your next road trip from the skies in your BYD SUV, you may need to consider a little international travel.

      Photos and Videos: BYD / Weibo