Summary

  • The world’s leading EV manufacturer, BYD, has unveiled a vehicle-mounted drone launching system named Lingyuan, developed in collaboration with drone-maker DJI.
  • The system allows the owner of the vehicle to use a touch screen to launch a drone from the roof of the car while driving at speeds of up to 25 km/h.
  • The drone is capable of automatically returning to the vehicle as long as it is within a two-kilometre radius.
  • The launch price of the system in China is 16,000 yuan ($2,197), which includes a DJI drone, the roof-mounted hangar and editing apps.
  • It is not clear whether the system can be installed in existing BYD vehicles, or if it has to be purchased with a new vehicle.
  • This is not BYD’s first venture into drone launch systems, as its luxury brand, Yangwang, launched a similar product in 2022 for its U8 SUV.

By Wes Davis

Original Article