China's southern Hainan Free Trade Port is accelerating the development of a global NEV (New Energy Vehicle) experience center on the tropical island while promoting the use of NEVs, said a spokesperson at the main forum of the 2021 World New Energy Vehicle Conference on September 16.

Visitors learning about NEVs at the Sanya new energy vehicle service center. WU WEI / HAINAN DAILY

Currently, the first group of companies that will be located in the center has been identified. The center will be equipped with an exhibition & experience section, a repair & maintenance section, a new car section, an intelligent networked vehicles section, a peripheral equipment section, a styling design center, and a performance testing & certification center. Additionally, a 3-kilometer testing track with 5G intelligent driving capabilities in line with international standards will also be integrated into the first phase of the project.

The global NEV experience center, with a total investment of 3 billion yuan (about $465 million), will also serve as the largest NEV station along the island-wide tourism ring road upon completion.

See more at Numbers: 2021 report card of NEVs in Hainan.