Video by Lin Songtao

Ten expats, including scholars, experts, and entrepreneurs, visited Pingshan District on Dec. 18 to explore its growing new energy vehicle (NEV) industry and intelligent driving technology.

Organizers of the event, titled “Explore Future Transportation — A Field Trip on Intelligent Driving,” included the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology, and Innovation Bureau, the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Experts Affairs Bureau, the Pingshan District Science, Technology, and Innovation Bureau, EyeShenzhen, and Shenzhen Technology University.

Participants pose for a photo at BYD in Pingshan District on Dec. 18.

The first stop was the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field, a land-and-air testing facility in Shenzhen designed to provide services and equipment for intelligent connected vehicles and low-altitude aircraft.

Jose Antonio Vigara Alvarez de Perea, a Spanish architect, shared his impressions. “I’m always amazed by the rapid development across so many industries in China. Take Pingshan, for example — they’ve built the large test zone specifically for self-driving cars and other emerging technologies,” he said.

Participants learn about services and equipment the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field provides. Photo by Lin Songtao 

The next stop was BYD’s headquarters, where the group viewed its latest NEV models and learned about the SkyRail and cutting-edge technologies like the blade battery.

George Allen Griffin Jr., founder of Deng Griffin Consulting in the United States, said: “BYD is a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing. By attending this tour, I was able to see its manufacturing process firsthand. I was fascinated by the development of autonomous vehicles,” said Griffin.

Participants take photos at BYD. Photo by Lin Songtao

The final stop was Shenzhen Technology University, where the group attended a presentation by Li Heyan, a professor from the university’s College of Urban Transportation and Logistics. The visitors also toured the college’s labs, where they were shown how students build their own electric racing vehicles.

During a sharing session at the university, Rahul Warrier, an Indian supply chain manager at CTel Infosystems Pvt Ltd., remarked, “What struck me about this place is how you really get to see students working hands-on with new technology. It’s a great opportunity for them to gain practical experience in a field that’s rapidly evolving.”

A participant experiences an electric racing car made by students of Shenzhen Technology University. Photo by Lin Songtao

A participant exchanges with a Shenzhen Technology University student.