Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in its vehicles - a roof-mounted drone launching system called 'Lingyuan'. Developed in collaboration with drone giant DJI, the system is now available for all BYD models in China, marking a significant milestone in the integration of drones and electric vehicles.

The Lingyuan system, showcased in a video by BYD, features a sleek and futuristic design. With a simple tap on the vehicle's touchscreen, the roof-mounted compartment slides open, revealing a rising landing platform with a DJI drone ready for takeoff. The drone can lift off and land while the EV is in motion, and even follow the vehicle at speeds of up to 54 kilometers per hour. The system also includes automatic return functionality, as long as the drone is within a 2-kilometer radius of the vehicle.

The Lingyuan purchase price, which costs around $2,197, includes a DJI drone (reportedly a DJI Air 3S), the roof-mounted drone hangar, and accompanying apps. These apps feature video editing capabilities and an "AI recognition" function, although the specifics of the latter are unclear. BYD's demo video mentions "AI Posture recognition, Lingyuan takes photos around the car," suggesting potential applications in surveillance or monitoring.

This is not BYD's first foray into drone launchers. The company's luxury brand, Yangwang, previously introduced an off-road variant of its U8 SUV with a drone launcher attached to the roof rails. However, the Lingyuan system is a more compact and integrated solution, designed to work seamlessly with BYD's vehicles.

BYD's collaboration with DJI is notable, as the drone manufacturer has its own drone-in-a-box solution, the Dock 3, which is designed for tasks like power line inspections or emergency response. While the Dock 3 is a more expensive solution, starting at $21,059, the Lingyuan system offers a more affordable and integrated option for BYD vehicle owners.

The implications of this technology are far-reaching, with potential applications in fields like surveillance, search and rescue, and even entertainment. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, innovations like the Lingyuan system will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation and technology.

For now, the Lingyuan system is only available in China, and it remains to be seen whether BYD will expand its availability to other markets. Nevertheless, this development marks an exciting milestone in the convergence of electric vehicles and drone technology, and we can expect to see more innovative applications in the years to come.