In 2017, Mitsubishi released the e-Evolution concept which is a personal vehicle that comes with a drone.  The car will be able to launch the drone which can help the driver with multiple tasks.  Although Mitsubishi never actually built the prototype, the idea of a car deployed drone was certainly unique. According to Mitsubishi’s Electric concept vehicle, it had several positive applications. One possible use of a drone launched from a car could be to scan roads ahead for traffic and other obstructions in the road. It can also be used to get a good aerial view of a parking lot to find available spots.

In Mitsubishi’s concept, the drone can be activated and live video streamed to the vehicle’s entertainment screen. When it locates a parking spot, for example, the drone relays the information along with directions to the spot. In the event that another driver tries sees the available parking spot, the drone hovers over the spot to signal that it is already taken.

After the drone is done with it’s mission, it flies back to the car and stores itself under the housing on the roof of the vehicle to charge itself also while remaining safe from thieves.  Currently Mitsubishi does not have any plans to actually produce the vehicle and drone system, however they continue to entertain the idea. According to Gareth Williams, Mitsubishi’s Executive Director of Advanced Development, their mission is to give everyone who drives a Mitsubishi a unique experience.

Mitsubishi is not the only auto company to work with drones. Back in 2016, Ford also considered the idea of using drones during emergencies like search and rescue missions. Land Rover also considered making a roof mounted drone to sit atop a Land Rover Discovery SUV for help in search and rescue. As drone technology advances, more automakers will certainly join in on the benefits that drones offer.