BYD Unveils EV With Roof-Launched Drone in China
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has introduced a new SUV featuring a roof-mounted drone launch system, developed in partnership with drone manufacturer DJI. The vehicle, now available in mainland China, is priced at 16,000 yuan (approximately USD 2,200).
The system allows users to deploy a drone while the car is in motion. Pressing a launch button on the car’s touchscreen activates gull-wing-style doors that open to reveal the drone platform. The drone can follow the vehicle at speeds of up to 54 km/h and return from a distance of 2 km. It can also recharge upon landing back on the platform.
BYD and DJI aim to transform vehicles into mobile entertainment and exploration platforms, offering a vertical field of view to capture travel moments in real time. The drone is expected to be used in open areas, away from cities, buildings, and power lines.
The innovation raises safety and regulatory concerns, as many countries have strict drone operation laws. Even in China, drone operators must maintain visual contact with their devices, which could be challenging while driving.
BYD recently became the world’s largest EV manufacturer, surpassing Tesla in 2024 with 1,777,965 electric cars produced. The company is expanding into Hungary, Turkey, and Mexico, with base models priced around USD 10,000. It also raised USD 5.6 billion in a share sale on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
BYD has launched an SUV with a roof-mounted drone system in China.
The drone can follow the car at speeds of up to 54 km/h and return from 2 km away.
The system raises safety and regulatory concerns due to drone operation laws.
Source: FORBES