Self-driving NEVs impress competitors, contribute to concept of green event

Being ferried around on a self-driving bus in the athletes' village has been an impressive experience for Ian Skirkey during the ongoing Chengdu FISU World University Games.

"The whole experience is pretty awesome, and this is a great opportunity to feel China's advanced technologies," said Skirkey, a 23-year-old gymnast from the United States, adding that the games have also offered him a chance to visit China and experience the country's history and culture firsthand.

Among the low-carbon technologies being featured at the event, the self-driving NEVs have been a particular highlight.

In the village, the self-driving experience station has been the most popular attraction for the athletes, with many taking snaps of the vehicles on their mobile phones.

Some 70 NEVs have been provided by Mogo AI, a Chinese self-driving startup.

"Some of these vehicles are self-driving ones, which offer a high-tech travel experience for athletes, guests and media friends from all over the world," said Wei Jiaxing, a staff member at the experience station, adding that the project marries with the concept of the games being a green event.

According to Wei, Mogo AI operates in 19 provincial-level regions in China, including Beijing, Hubei, Hunan, Yunnan and Shandong.

China's NEV sector is the largest in the world in terms of output, sales, exports and consumption potential.

The robust development of the sector comes amid China's efforts to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Xinhua