Chinese automakers are delving into innovative territory by integrating camera drones into their electric vehicles, targeting content creators eager to capture their driving experiences on film. This innovative feature, primarily aimed at content creators, enables one-click filming of a moving vehicle, with the live-action viewable on the car’s interior display and recorded for future use. Impressively, these drone flights can even be voice-controlled by the (distracted) driver.
For instance, the luxury $150,000 Yangwang U8 plug-in hybrid SUV by BYD, the world’s largest maker of electric vehicles, comes equipped with a DJI drone neatly stored and charged in a dedicated roof space, complete with a Thunderbirds-style slide-away panel.
Meanwhile, Geely-owned Lynk & Co has elevated its $24,000 06 EM-P compact SUV by updating its operating system to enable control of a hood-launched drone directly from the cockpit screen, once again using technology from DJI.
Furthermore, the $98,000 M-Hero 917 SUV from the state-owned Dongfeng offers an optional integration with the commercial S400 drone from GDU Tech for an additional $14,000. Both DJI and GDU Tech are based in Shenzhen. Launched from the 917’s roof for autonomous flight or controlled via touchscreen from within the vehicle, the S400 drone boasts advanced features like motion detection and face recognition for precise target tracking.
The practical applications of these integrated drones extend beyond content creation, with potential uses ranging from delivering emergency supplies to enhancing social media engagement during heavy traffic scenarios. However, there’s a recognition that such integrations could also serve humanitarian purposes, such as supporting efforts in conflict zones like Ukraine through grassroots crowdfunding initiatives, or “dronations.”
Reflecting on the integration of drones into cars, Shanghai-based automotive journalist Mark Rainford of Inside China Auto remarked, “As a content creator myself, drone integration with cars is interesting.” He elaborated on the challenges of drone filming in China, noting the obstacles posed by street furniture and overhead cables, which necessitate the use of obstacle avoidance features to maintain safety and capture high-quality footage.
Despite these challenges and the limitations of current consumer drone technology, Rainford predicts a growing trend among Chinese automakers to incorporate drones into their vehicles as a means of differentiation in a competitive market.
Promotional materials for these vehicles showcase their drone integration capabilities, depicting scenarios where drones capture dynamic footage of the vehicles in action, whether navigating off-road terrains or cruising along scenic routes. While the global availability of these drone-integrated vehicles remains uncertain, there’s potential for such innovations to expand internationally, offering new possibilities for drivers and content creators alike.
