Imagine embarking on an adventure in your car through natural landscapes or bustling city streets, accompanied by a flying camera that captures your moments from the sky at the touch of a button! This is no longer science fiction but a reality thanks to BYD’s latest innovation in collaboration with drone giant DJI. The Chinese company unveiled the revolutionary "Ling Yuan" system: the world’s first integrated drone launch and landing platform built into the car roof.
The system consists of a smart “hangar” mounted on the car roof, featuring a sleek design that does not affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics. This hangar houses a DJI drone capable of automatic takeoff and landing even while the car is moving at speeds up to 25 km/h, and it can follow the vehicle at speeds up to 54 km/h, providing stunning real-time dynamic footage. Upon completing its mission, the drone automatically returns to its base to recharge or swap batteries without any user intervention, thanks to an integrated automatic battery charging and replacement system.
But it’s more than just aerial filming — it’s an intelligent interaction between the car and drone via the Ling Yuan app, which gives you full control, instant video editing, and the ability to add music and effects with a single tap. The system is equipped with precise sensors to ensure safe landings even under challenging conditions, and it offers three filming modes: Adventure, Lightness, and Epic Scenes.
BYD has started rolling out this innovation on models like Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, Yangwang U8, and Sealion 07 DM-i, with plans to expand it across most upcoming models. Priced at around $2,200, it is currently accessible to tech enthusiasts and adventurers in China.
This BYD-DJI partnership is not just about fun aerial footage; it opens the door to broader applications—from monitoring rugged roads during drives, documenting family trips, to supporting navigation and safety systems in the future. It reflects BYD’s vision of transforming the car from a mere transport means into a multifunctional smart platform combining performance, entertainment, and safety.
The integrated drone system in vehicles like BYD’s Ling Yuan offers significant advantages for Gulf countries, given their diverse geography and unique needs:
Enhancing logistics and delivery services: With rapid e-commerce growth in the Gulf, drones can expedite parcel delivery efficiently, especially in congested urban areas or remote locations hard to reach by traditional transport. Delivery drones such as DJI Flycart 30 can carry up to 30 kg over distances of 16 km, speeding up shipments and reducing costs.
Emergency medical deliveries: Drones can swiftly transport vital medical supplies, vaccines, and even transplant organs to hospitals or remote areas, which is crucial during emergencies or natural disasters in parts of the Gulf.
Road monitoring and safety: Vehicle-mounted drones provide aerial views of traffic and help monitor desert and rough roads, supporting rescue operations and reducing incidents of getting lost or vehicle breakdowns in remote areas.
Tourism and recreation support: Aerial filming from drones offers new perspectives that enhance tourism experiences, especially around the Gulf’s natural and historical sites, encouraging exploration and visitor engagement.
Sustainability and emission reduction: Using electric drones for delivery reduces reliance on traditional vehicles, easing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions, aligning with Gulf countries’ sustainable development goals.
Smart, advanced solutions: The integrated smart system between car and drone, with advanced control apps, allows users to manage filming and delivery easily, boosting efficiency across various sectors.
In summary, the drone system integrated into vehicles represents a transformative opportunity to improve logistics, emergency response, tourism, and safety in the Gulf region, while providing eco-friendly, smart solutions for the future.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
