BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has teamed up with Chinese drone manufacturer DJI to launch the Ling Yuan automotive drone system, an innovation designed to transform vehicles into mobile entertainment hubs.
Unveiled in Shenzhen, BYD’s headquarters, the Ling Yuan system is the world's first vehicle-integrated drone solution, providing drivers with a vertical field of view that enhances travel experiences.
Cutting-Edge Integration
The system seamlessly integrates a drone with the vehicle, allowing real-time aerial tracking.
Key hardware components include:
- A drone hangar (measuring 0.29 square meters when unfolded, with a 21.5 cm thickness)
- A drone
- An on-board positioning module handle
- The Ling Yuan App, equipped with AI recognition, image and music editing software
The drone offers impressive functionality, including:
- Dynamic takeoff and landing at speeds of up to 25 km/h
- Auto-follow capability at speeds of up to 54 km/h
- Automatic return within a 2 km range
- Smart battery recharging, from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes
Enhancing the Driving Experience
According to BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu, modern consumers expect more from their vehicles than just transportation—they seek a versatile space for mobility, entertainment, and social interaction. The Ling Yuan system aims to enhance driving pleasure, offering a unique blend of technology and lifestyle integration.
Availability and Pricing
The Ling Yuan system will be available across all BYD sub-brands at a price of RMB 16,000 ($2,200). Supported models include:
- Yangwang U8
- Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8
- Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3
- Denza N9
- BYD Sealion 07 DM-i
- BYD Tang L
The Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 (drone version) is priced between RMB 395,800 and 423,800 yuan. Meanwhile, the Yangwang U8 Off-road Master Edition, introduced at the Beijing Auto Show on April 25, 2024, includes a roof-mounted drone cabin and is positioned as an ultra-luxury SUV, starting at RMB 1,098,000 ($151,060)—the most expensive model under the BYD umbrella.
With the Ling Yuan system, BYD is bringing cutting-edge drone technology not just to high-end models but also to affordable vehicles, making advanced features more accessible to a wider audience.
News Source: CnEVPost
