BYD unveiled on March 2 an intelligent vehicle-integrated drone system called "Ling Yuan" (灵鸢), developed in collaboration with consumer drone leader DJI, marking the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s latest move to democratize aerial imaging technology for mainstream consumers. The system, which achieves deep integration between drones and vehicles, will first launch on six of BYD’s SUV models.
Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s chairman and president, described the system as a breakthrough in vehicle-drone integration during a Shenzhen launch event. He emphasized that the technology goes beyond merely attaching a drone to a car, instead involving fundamental engineering to enable dynamic takeoff and landing capabilities—allowing the drone to launch and land while the vehicle moves at 25 km/h and maintain stable tracking at speeds up to 54 km/h. The feature targets users seeking to document road trips, outdoor adventures, and off-road excursions.
The move continues BYD’s strategy of cascading premium technologies down to affordable models. In January 2024, the company had introduced a drone system exclusively for its ultra-luxury Yangwang brand SUVs, which start at over 1 million yuan (138,000).Thenew“LingYuan”systemnowoffersa16,000yuan(2,200) “Fast-Charging Edition” for mainstream BYD brands like Dynasty and Ocean, while a battery-swapping version remains reserved for luxury models.
BYD’s aggressive tech democratization is reshaping China’s auto landscape. Just three weeks prior, the automaker had upgraded 21 models with advanced highway autonomous driving features at no extra cost, pushing the technology into vehicles priced below 100,000 yuan ($13,800). This “tech equality” approach helped BYD secure its position as China’s top-selling NEV maker in 2023, with annual deliveries hitting 3.02 million units.
Industry analysts note diverging aerial strategies among Chinese automakers: BYD is refining existing drone technology, while rivals like Xpeng’s AeroHT and GAC Group pursue electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Xpeng’s flying car factory in Guangzhou broke ground in October 2024, with first deliveries slated for Q2 2026; GAC has unveiled two eVTOL concepts since entering the field in 2023.
While demand for vehicle-mounted drones remains unproven, Wang drew parallels to the automotive radio’s adoption in the 1940s: “People once questioned why drivers needed music, but it became standard. Cars are evolving into intelligent spaces where new experiences create new necessities.” Yang Dongsheng, head of BYD’s New Technology Research Institute, confirmed plans to expand drone compatibility to most SUVs in its lineup beyond the initial six models.
This fusion of ground and air technologies is redefining innovation in China’s cutthroat auto market. As mainstream brands invest in aerial ecosystems, consumers may soon witness a paradigm shift in what constitutes “smart mobility.”