BYD collaborates with DJI to launch a vehicular drone system, creating more possibilities for driving

【PCauto】Recently, BYD and DJI jointly hosted a press conference to introduce LY-IVDS (Ling Yuan Intelligent Vehicle-mounted Drone System), achieving a seamless integration between automobiles and drones.

LY-IVDS consists of four core components: an intelligent drone hangar, an in-car drone, a rooftop camera, and the Ling Yuan APP. The intelligent hangar features the world’s first retractable landing pad for vehicle-mounted drones, which opens horizontally so the drone can gradually take off. With an unfolded landing area of 0.29 m² and a hangar thickness of only 21.5 cm, it ensures stable drone takeoffs and landings. Boasting an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, the hangar operates reliably under extreme temperatures ranging from -30℃ to 60℃. Whether heading off-road or facing adverse weather conditions, it provides robust protection for the drone. Additionally, the hangar is equipped with a video transmission antenna, a positioning module, and an anemometer, enabling dynamic drone takeoffs at vehicle speeds below 25 km/h and an automatic return function within a 2 km range.

As the core of LY-IVDS, the in-car drone integrates its own positioning module, dual video transmission antennas, and a 10 Hz refresh rate for returning waypoint data, ensuring precise positioning and stable signal transmission throughout its flight. Once airborne, the drone can keep pace with the vehicle at speeds of up to 54 km/h, faithfully tracking the car’s trajectory and accommodating diverse shooting needs.

The 4K high-definition rooftop camera not only furnishes the drone with a broader field of view during flight, but also works in tandem with the vehicle’s sensors to generate 3D topographic maps and assist off-road navigation, making travel smarter and more convenient.

From a technical standpoint, LY-IVDS represents a deep and intelligent fusion between vehicle and drone. According to BYD, the research and development process took two years and involved an investment of over RMB 200 million. Rather than simply mounting a drone on a car, BYD and DJI reimagined and built the entire vehicle integration system from scratch. Such deep fusion is evident not only in the coordinated performance of the hardware but also in the optimization and innovation of the software algorithms. For instance, intelligent algorithms enable the drone to automatically adjust its flight mode and shooting parameters based on the vehicle’s operating state, environmental conditions, and user commands, delivering a more personalized and responsive service.

In practical applications, LY-IVDS opens up a wealth of possibilities. For off-road enthusiasts, when navigating challenging terrain, the drone can launch preemptively to scout the road ahead, assisting the driver with efficient route planning. In emergency situations, the drone can rapidly ascend to capture real-time images of the surrounding environment, offering critical situational support for rescue operations.

Currently, the complete “Ling Yuan” smart in-car drone system in the fast-charging version is priced at RMB 16,000 (approximately RM9,797). For example, the “Ling Yuan” option for Formula Leopard BAO 8 is priced at RMB 16,000, while BAO 8 equipped with “Ling Yuan” in China retails at RM242,423.

The “Ling Yuan” battery swap version is primarily installed in YANGWAN brand vehicles, whereas the fast-charging version is widely used across models such as BYD DENZA and Formula Leopard. With further technological adoption and the benefits of scale economies, it is anticipated that more consumers will enjoy the convenience of this innovative technology at increasingly competitive prices.

LY-IVDS also offers a myriad of possibilities for modern transportation. It provides a fresh perspective and a novel approach to travel, broadening the overall travel experience. With the integration of in-car drones, information can be gathered not only from ground traffic but also from the sky, achieving a holistic awareness of travel conditions.

Moreover, as the technology continues to develop, LY-IVDS is expected to play a significant role in traffic management and emergency rescue operations. For instance, during traffic congestion, the drone can ascend to help direct traffic, monitor road conditions in real time, and relay pertinent information to traffic management authorities; in scenarios such as natural disasters, the drone can swiftly reach the affected area to provide first-hand situational updates, significantly enhancing rescue efficiency. In the near future, we may even witness in-car drones being broadly deployed in logistics distribution, urban aerial transportation, and other related fields.