Masdar to expand its autonomous vehicle network

The driverless vehicle network will be expanded along a new one-kilometre route.

A Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) vehicle, or driverless electric pod car, transports students between parking areas and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. Duncan Chard / Bloomberg

Masdar’s driverless vehicle network will be expanded with a new fleet that will link the institute with the International Renewable Energy Agency’s headquarters and a new shopping mall under construction.

Following the results of a global industry competition launched during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week last year, autonomous vehicle producer Navya has been selected to help develop the network.

The driverless vehicle network, currently serving the sustainable urban community, will be extended along a new one-kilometre route.

Since 2010, the world’s first permanent Personal Rapid Transport, system has ferried more than two million passengers between the city’s North Car Park and the Masdar Institute, part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

"With its community of residents, visitors, business tenants and office workers continuing to grow, Masdar City will be at the forefront of sustainable mobility innovation,” said Yousef Baselaib, executive director for Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar. "This expansion will result in the world’s first outdoor, large-scale sustainable transportation system."