Subj : BYDs new roof-mounted DJI drone launchpad looks like a dream for To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Wed Mar 05 2025 19:15:08 BYDs new roof-mounted DJI drone launchpad looks like a dream for filming road trips but less so for car safety Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000 Description: BYD has integrated a drone launching platform into its vehicles and that's both impressively sci-fi and a slight worry for road safety, FULL STORY ======================================================================The drone system is priced at 16,000 yuan or around $2,195 Unfortunately, it is only available in mainland China for now Dubbed Ling Yuan, it will be available on numerous BYD models BYD has recently announced a new partnership with Chinas top drone-maker DJI, stating that it has created an innovative launch pad that can be built into a number of its electric vehicles, allowing for drone take-offs and landing directly from the vehicle. The Ling Yuan system, as it is known, consists of a bespoke hangar system that is housed on the roof, which folds open to reveal a built-in DJI drone, as well as an automated system that both charges and swaps out depleted battery packs. According to CNEV Post , the unit also has on-board positioning module, which we assume allows for greater accuracy when landing back in the hangar, as well as a bespoke Ling Yuan app that allows for quick movie edits on the go. Apparently, the system supports dynamic take-offs and landings, with the drone able to be deployed and called home while the vehicle is traveling at 25km/h (or around 15mph). The drone can then follow the vehicle at speeds up to 54km/h (33mph) to snare dynamic footage. A video posted by Shanghai Eye on YouTube (see above) shows the drone in action, with the driver of BYDs electric SUV simply tapping a button on the infotainment system, whereby the Ling Yuan drone hangar opens on the roof and what appears to be a DJI Air 3 shoots into the sky. The idea is that adventurous BYD owners can capture their various road trips and automotive escapades via the drone, whether thats action-packed video clips or drone-based group shots with epic vistas in the background. Analysis: BYD knows what gets tech-heads excited (Image credit: BYD) BYD is slowly making science-fiction a reality, whether thats through its jumping Yangwang U9 supercar, which can leap over potholes, or its recently announced Blade Runner -inspired drone system that can automatically launch from the roof of an SUV. It's all good fun, but theres zero word on the legality or related safety implications of launching a drone from a moving vehicle, or the potential issues with multiple drones being launched at once to work out the cause of a traffic jam up ahead, for example. Its also not clear whether the Ling Yuang drone system has to be ordered at the point of purchase as an optional extra, or whether customers can retrofit it to existing BYD vehicles. Either way, its a slightly madcap look at the future and proof that China is constantly innovating when it comes to ensuring the next generation of electric vehicles fit into increasingly tech-heavy lifestyles. You might also like BYD made more EVs than Tesla for the first time last year proving that the world wants affordable electric options BYDs astoundingly cheap electric car sets a record that could spark a new price war I've driven Hyundai's enormous Ioniq 9 and it's the most luxurious EV the brand has ever made ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/byds-new-roof- mounted-dji-drone-launchpad-looks-like-a-dream-for-filming-road-trips-but-less -so-for-car-safety --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .