Raj Pandey
It is no surprise that companies are trying to outdo each other with sleek and stylish features in their electric vehicles (EVs) as the industry progresses at a breakneck pace. Leading the way is BYD, the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles in China, which has recently showcased an industry-first drone system mounted on a car.
The futuristic built-in drone works with DJI and is capable of offering aerial photography, navigation during real-time, and security monitoring and surveillance. This system, which has been first showcased in luxury BYD Yangwang U8 SUVs, is expected to launch in more budget-friendly models such as Sealion 07 DM-i hybrid and Tang L SUV.
Is this just marketing maneuver, or does it have the potential to change the driving paradigm? Let us take a comprehensive look at features of BYD’s car-mounted drone system, its features, use scenarios, and compare it to typical EV advancements.
BYD’S Special-Purpose Car Integrated Drone: What Makes It Unique?
BYD’s integrated drone accompanies the car instead of working separately, which is a first in the EV industry. Rather than being stored in a separate bag which can easily get lost, the built-in drone sits snugly in a unique compartment positioned on the car’s roof.
Features of BYD’s Drone Integrated Into The Car
Autonomous Takeoff and Landing – The drone launches as well as lands by itself, heading towards the docking station located on top of the car.
Live Navigation Assistance – Gives support with off road aerial views to enhance planning in real-time.
Security and Surveillance – Functions as a monitor camera that can be used for watching the surrounding area as an extra protective eye.
High-Resolution Aerial Photography – Perfect to use while driving because it provides amazing 4K drone shots which are best suitable for road trip videos.
Integration with BYD’s Infotainment System – Captures the surrounding area through drone shots, which is shown on the vehicle’s touchscreen displaying bird’s eye view.
Which BYD Cars Will Feature the Built-In Drone?
This feature will first be implemented in the Yangwang U8 SUV, a high-end luxury electric vehicle. But BYD has confirmed plans to incorporate it in more affordable EVs like:
BYD Sealion 07 DM-i (Hybrid SUV) – An SUV with drivers assistance features.
BYD Tang L EV – An electric SUV aimed at the higher end family car market.
With this move, BYD will likely reinforce its position as the first company to implement premium technology into mass-market EVs, drone-integrated cars will become normal.
How Does BYD’s Drone Technology Compare to Other EV Innovations?
Like every competitor in the industry, BYD integrates features like autonomous driving, AI navigation, and smart infotainment into their vehicles. But what stands out from the competition is BYD’s drone system.
| Feature | BYD’s Drone System | Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) | Rivian’s Adventure Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Navigation Assistance |
✅ Real-time aerial navigation |
✅ AI-assisted route planning |
✅ Off-road GPS mapping |
Security & Surveillance |
✅ Aerial monitoring & tracking |
❌ No external surveillance |
✅ 360° camera system |
Photography & Filming |
✅ 4K drone footage |
❌ No in-car filming |
✅ Dashcam recordings |
Autonomous Capabilities |
✅ Auto-takeoff & return |
✅ Self-driving (in Beta) |
❌ No autonomous tech |
While Tesla and Rivian emphasize on the use of AI and adventure technology, BYD differentiates themselves with a drone system that revolutionizes the driving experience.
The Benefits of BYD’s Car Mounted Drone System for Drivers
1. Increased Safety and Security
With the built-in drone’s aerial surveillance capabilities, users can monitor:
Security of parking lots – Eliminate any potential obstacles before you maneuver.
Remote monitoring of the car – Keep an eye on the vehicle from afar.
Safety off-road – Make sure to scan the terrain conditions before you drive through rugged landscapes.
2. Perfect for Long Road Trips
Do you love to capture memorable moments on a family road trip? This drone will enable you to capture cinematic aerial shots without the need for separate equipment.
Capture Live Aerial Footage from the Sky.
Effortlessly drone shoots breathtaking shots.
Focus hands-free policy lets you drive while the drone does the filming.
3. Heightened Navigation Help
Wondering how to navigate trade routes like mountain roads or forested areas? You can scan using the drone for:
Traffic jams from higher elevations.
Different ways to the destination on the spot.
Roads that might be dangerous.
This feature makes it especially handy for adventurous travelers or off-roading lovers.
Will Other Electric Vehicles Adopt the Same Standards?
BYD has implemented a new standard for innovation for electric vehicles having a drone integrated system. The big question now is who will bail out to the rest of the competition?
Tesla– Although not yet equipped with a built-in drone, Tesla already has the AI Full Self Driver (FSD), which is the most advanced competitor in navigation aid.
Mercedes-Benz – This brand is known for having drone delivery systems but doesn’t use them for in-car delivery.
Rivian – This brand is known for their active lifestyle electric vehicles. It is likely they would be the first competitor to use drone systems.
Hyundai / Kia – Hyundai has sparked future developments by already patenting an in car drone system.
If drone-equipped BYD EVs become popular, it will not be surprising if other car manufacturers follow suit.
Concerns and Issues:
Although the integrated drone system in vehicles is fascinating, some challenges exist:
Legislation: A lot of nations have very rigid drone flying rules, mainly in cities.
Energy Expenses: Operating a drone could have a small chance of lowering the range of the EV.
Cost: Drones mounted on the Yangwang U8 SUV are sold for as high as $150,000. As a result, it is currently a luxury feature.
Drone-integrated EVs will become more common if legal issues are resolved and costs are optimized.
The BYD car-mounted drone system is astonishingly forward-thinking and innovative The Question Remains: Is it a Gimmick or Reality?
This feature is more than just a gimmick. It is one of the most innovative features in the EV market and has useful features in safety, navigation, and entertainment.
For extreme travelers – Helps navigate off-road and document the trip.
For regular drivers – It provides an additional level of security and aids in parking.
For any technology buff – Provides a completely new experience with a car.
With further adoption across models, BYD might really set a new industry benchmark. We can only wonder if Tesla and Rivian along with other names jump on the train of drones mounted EVs. Only time will tell.
Are you interested in buying an EV with a drone? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The drone Whiz is kept in a roof compartment and it can auto launch, fly, and return back to the space with live aerial coverage.
For now, the Yangwang U8 SUV is the only model that has it, but the BYD Sealion 07 DM-i and Tang L SUVs are next in line.
Of course! The drone with 4k camera can capture stunning footage of road trips while driving.
Minimal drone impact as the energy efficiency of the drone is designed to be optimal.
Perhaps! If it works out, Tesla and Rivian will be the first to experiment with that type of technology.
