BYD (Build Your Dreams) is set to release an on-vehicle drone system with Chinese drone maker DJI, as the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) maker prepares to carry drones in more models.
BYD announced on Weibo on Friday that it will be teaming up with DJI Today for the launch of its smart on-board drone system.
“With eyes that can think, frame every moment of the excitement of traveling,” BYD wrote on Weibo, suggesting that the system’s main purpose will be to follow vehicles with drones.
BYD Sealion 7
BYD had previously begun carrying a drone system in its vehicles and had potential plans to bring the device to more models for added fun while driving. On April 25, 2024, its ultra-luxury sub-brand Yangwang launched the U8 Off-road Master Edition at the Beijing auto show, which features a drone bin on the roof.
The car’s drone is a DJI Mavic 3, which can automatically recognize and follow the vehicle, with a maximum follow-fly speed of 55 km/h.
The driver can control the angle of the drone from the in-vehicle screen, or the passenger can control the drone via a remote control.
The Yangwang U8 Off-road Master Edition is an ultra-luxury SUV (sport utility vehicle) with a starting price of RMB 1,098,000 (US$ 151,060), a high price tag that limits the number of people who can have access to the car-borne drone system.
However, BYD seems to be looking to bring its on-board drone system to more affordable models.
The company’s sub-brand Denza’s N9 SUV, Fang Cheng Bao’s Tai 3, BYD Tang L, and BYD Sealion 07 DM-i will all have drone-equipped variants, according to previous regulatory filings. BYD cars are already available in Sri Lanka.
