On March 2, BYD and DJI launched the smart vehicle drone system, “Lingyuan.” This marks a new era of deep integration between drones and cars. As the world’s first mass-produced vehicle drone system, “Lingyuan” goes beyond placing a drone on a car. It redefines the interaction between vehicles and drones from the ground up.
BYD Group Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu emphasized at the press conference, “The collaboration between BYD and DJI is not just about placing a drone on a car. It focuses on integrating the entire vehicle from the ground up. We aim for a deep fusion of the car and drone, achieving a result greater than the sum of its parts.” BYD’s strong manufacturing capabilities, combined with DJI’s leading technology in drones, have enabled the industrialization of the onboard drone system. Wang Chuanfu revealed that the company has formed strategic partnerships with several leading tech firms. Together, they will create cutting-edge technology and innovative products, building a smart automotive ecosystem.
We collaborate with OPPO to bring a new mobile connectivity experience to Tengshi Z9 GT users. We partner with Huawei QianKun Smart Driving to enhance the smart driving capabilities of the Fangcheng Leopard 5 and 8. We have connected with major brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Samsung, Apple, OPPO, and vivo to widely adapt the mobile NFC car key function. Meanwhile, we work with leading companies like Tencent and Uber to explore more smart technology applications. This effort enriches and enhances the smart travel experience for users. Wang Chuanfu states, “Technology should not be a toy for a few. It must become a tool that benefits the world.” The “Spirit Eagle” exemplifies this idea, making once niche high-end drone technology accessible to the public.
Technological Innovation of Smart Vehicle Drone System The “Lingyuan” system results from a collaboration between BYD and DJI. It features the world’s first intelligent landing pad solution. The system integrates advanced architecture, hardware, and algorithms. • Intelligent landing pad: It includes a drone positioning module, a rooftop camera, and a custom dual-use handle. This setup allows for dynamic takeoff and landing, one-click return, and intelligent follow mode. Users do not need manual control to achieve professional-grade photography. • Automatic fast charging: The system eliminates traditional drone battery anxiety. The “Lingyuan” system allows for direct fast charging inside the vehicle, ensuring the drone is always ready. • One-click filmmaking: The system includes 30 smart shooting templates. With DJI’s leading imaging algorithms, users only need to select a mode to quickly generate high-quality films without complex editing.
In the past, users needed heavy equipment to capture moments while traveling. They often missed great scenes because they couldn’t set up in time. “Lingyuan” has lowered the barriers for aerial photography. Now, even solo travelers can easily shoot stunning films. One person, one car, one device can become a mobile film crew.
Widely Used The “Spirit Kite” is not just a tool for recording journeys. It adapts to many scenarios. It expands the application of vehicle-mounted drones: • Off-road Exploration: Users can survey routes with drones in complex terrains. This significantly enhances driving safety. • Outdoor Rescue: Drones assist in search and rescue operations. They provide faster response in extreme environments. • Smart Security: Users can remotely deploy drones for 360° monitoring around vehicles. This effectively improves safety.
As the industry’s first integrated vehicle drone system, “Lingyuan” will launch across multiple BYD brands and models. The “Lingyuan” battery swap version will mainly feature on the Yangwang brand. The “Lingyuan” fast charge version will cover the Dynasty, Ocean, Tengshi, and Fangchengbao brands. This technology will move from high-end exploration to widespread adoption.
The Lingyuan offers two versions: a battery swap/fast charge version and a fast charge version. The Yangwang features the battery swap version. The Tengshi, BYD, and Fangchengbao use the fast charge version. Users can buy the platform system separately for 16,000 yuan (2200$). This price is reasonable for owners of these models.
Compared to buying a drone individually, most drones, except the DJI MINI series, cost thousands to achieve the dream of flying. The Lingyuan system, with its intelligent hangar, offers higher intelligence and different flight effects. This setup is worth it. Integrating the drone into a car is practical. It also prevents the drone from gathering dust at home and avoids the awkwardness of forgetting about it.
The current aircraft on the Lingyuan system platform includes the DJI Mavic 3 and Air 3S custom series. The hardware consists of a hangar, Dlink host, and vehicle positioning module. The drone software features a custom app and AI algorithms. The drone uses a hangar-style storage. When deployed, the hangar covers 0.25 square meters and offers both suspended and embedded forms. Its thickness measures 21.5 cm. When loaded onto a vehicle, its height is less than 2.05 meters.
Achieve dynamic follow at 54 km/h. Use dual transmission antennas. Refresh return points at 10 Hz. Maintain a dynamic safe return distance of 2 km. Ensure 3 cm obstacle avoidance. Include a 100 W charging port. Reach 30 minutes of charging efficiency from 20% to 80%.
The Fangcheng Leopard 8 drone version officially launched. At the press conference, the drone equipped with the “Lingyuan” fast-charging version was introduced. It is priced between 395,900 and 423,800 yuan (58170$). This model combines top technologies from BYD, DJI, and Huawei. It integrates the DMO electric off-road platform, Huawei’s Qian Kun intelligent driving ADS 3.0, and the “Lingyuan” smart onboard drone system. Users will experience an unprecedented intelligent and rugged travel experience.
BYD launched the Fangcheng Leopard 8 in November last year. It features Huawei’s HiCar and Qian Kun Intelligent Driving ADS 3.0. The price starts at 379,800 yuan (52130$). The vehicle offers both six-seat and seven-seat versions. It includes a 17.3-inch central control screen, a 12.3-inch co-driver multimedia screen, and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel. For power, it uses a newly upgraded off-road specific vertical high-power 2.0T engine. The total output reaches 550 kW, with a torque of 760 N·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Besides the already launched Yangwang U8, Lingyuan will also equip the Fangcheng Leopard 8. It will later equip models like the Dengshi N9, Tang L, Haihu 07, Fangcheng Leopard 5, and Titanium 3.
BYD focuses on cars. It connects everything. The company collaborates with top global tech firms to build a smart mobility ecosystem. So far, BYD has formed strategic partnerships with several world-class tech companies. Together, they create an open and inclusive “tech community.”
The future of smart cars goes beyond self-driving. It focuses on building an intelligent mobile lifestyle. BYD and DJI’s partnership marks a key step toward this future. The launch of the “Lingyuan” smart car drone system brings disruptive innovation to the automotive industry. It also opens new possibilities for users in travel.