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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider BYD offers Chinese customers a roof-mounted drone option

BYD offers Chinese customers a roof-mounted drone option

Capture drives from above

Published Mar 19, 2025 03:33 am

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BYD cars are already quite desirable on their own, however the company has just teamed up with drone-maker DJI, to offer something even more desirable: a roof-mount that houses a drone that can follow the car.

Called the Ling Yuan system, which translates to ‘Spirit Kite’, this US$2,200 optional extra is a roof-mounted cargo box that houses a drone and a docking station. This roof box can fit select BYD SUVs like the Yangwang U8, Fang Cheng Bao 8, Fang Cheng Bao 5, Titanium 3, Denza N9, BYD Tang L, and BYD Sealion 07 DM-I (Yangwang, Fang Cheng Bao, Titanium, and Denza are sister brands owned by BYD).

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The Ling Yuan system is a roof-mounted box that includes a 4K DJI drone (a choice of DJI Air 3S or Mavic 3 for a little extra) and a docking station. It adds an additional 21.5-cm to the vehicle’s height. The box features electronically opening doors, a landing pad, and a built-in charging system for the drone. Once stored inside, the drone can be recharged from 20-80% in just 30 minutes.

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The drone is released with just the press of a button from the car’s center touchscreen. This then opens the roof doors of the box, lifting the landing platform and allowing the drone to take off and follow the car as it is driving. The drone is already configured to follow the vehicle. It can take off while the car is traveling up to 25 km/h and follow the vehicle up to speeds of 54 km/h. The drone can fly and record for up to 35 minutes. Footage is then broadcast to the car’s center LCD screen, which can be recorded. The drone likely has built-in collision avoidance systems to be able to fly autonomously.

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The drone can be programmed to simply follow the vehicle, controlled directly from the vehicle’s infotainment display, or via the Ling Yuan app, available for smartphones. Additionally, AI software helps organize and edit the footage, making it easier to share on your favorite social media platform.

No doubt, many Filipinos have seen this system and are already pondering the many possible uses for the drone, like scouting traffic ahead, particularly if there’s a sudden build-up. This takes rubber-necking road accidents to a whole new level.

Unfortunately, the Ling Yuan system is only available in China for now. You CANNOT head to your nearest BYD dealer and order this option in the Philippines. There’s no word if this system will be offered outside of China. Rest assured that we will definitely update you if it will be.
 

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