Eliza Wong
Automotive Leader Questions Electric Vehicle Terminology
Great Wall Motors Chairman Wei Jianjun (魏建军) has sparked industry debate by challenging the conventional labeling of electric vehicles as ‘new energy’ vehicles. During a recent interview, the automotive executive made controversial statements that question the fundamental terminology used across global markets to describe battery-powered transportation.
Wei Jianjun’s Controversial Position
The 61-year-old automotive industry veteran expressed his views during media interviews surrounding his participation in the 2025 Dunhuang越野耐力赛 (Dunhuang Off-Road Endurance Race). Wei’s comments come at a critical time when global automakers are investing billions in electric vehicle development.
Redefining Electric Vehicle Classification
‘Our electric vehicles shouldn’t be called new energy vehicles—they should simply be called electric vehicles,’ stated Wei Jianjun during his interview. ‘As long as the source isn’t new energy, it should be called an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles still primarily use coal-generated electricity that’s then charged into the vehicle.’
The Coal Power Connection
Wei drew an interesting parallel to illustrate his point: ‘It’s like someone calling an air conditioner a ‘new energy air conditioner.’ The comparison highlights the semantic debate surrounding what truly constitutes ‘new energy’ in the transportation sector.
China’s Energy Reality Behind Electric Vehicles
The chairman’s comments reflect the complex energy landscape in China, where coal remains the dominant power source. According to National Energy Administration data, coal-fired power plants generated approximately 60% of China’s electricity in 2023, raising valid questions about the ‘clean’ credentials of electric vehicles.
Coal Dependency in Chinese Power Grid
China’s electric vehicle revolution occurs against the backdrop of a coal-dependent grid system. While renewable energy capacity is growing rapidly, the fundamental energy source for most electric vehicle charging stations remains fossil fuel-based. This reality creates what energy experts call the ‘long tailpipe’ problem—where emissions are simply transferred from vehicle exhaust pipes to power plant smokestacks.
Industry Implications of Terminology Debate
Wei’s terminology challenge comes as Chinese automakers face increasing pressure to meet government-mandated New Energy Vehicle (NEV) quotas. The classification debate has significant implications for regulatory compliance, consumer perception, and international market positioning.
Regulatory Classification Consequences
The term ‘New Energy Vehicle’ carries specific regulatory weight in China, qualifying manufacturers for subsidies, tax benefits, and regulatory credits. A reclassification could potentially reshape the competitive landscape and government support mechanisms that have driven electric vehicle adoption.
Leadership Through Action: Dunhuang Endurance Race Participation
Wei Jianjun demonstrated his hands-on leadership approach by personally competing in the challenging 2025 Dunhuang越野耐力赛 (Dunhuang Off-Road Endurance Race). The event, certified as a National Class A competition by the 中国汽车摩托车运动联合会 (China Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Federation), is renowned for its extreme conditions and demanding course layout.
Executive Behind the Wheel
At 61 years old, Wei personally drove a Haval H9柴油版 (Haval H9 diesel version) in the T2 production vehicle category. Alongside navigator Yan Ke (闫珂), the Great Wall Motors chairman tackled over 1,000 kilometers of extreme terrain, showcasing both personal endurance and confidence in his company’s products.
Vehicle Performance Under Pressure
The second-generation H9柴油版 (H9 diesel version) featured advanced engineering including a 2.4T+9AT powertrain, BorgWarner electronically controlled silicone fan, TOD intelligent four-wheel drive, and Mlock mechanical locking system. These features provided the performance and reliability needed to conquer one of China’s most challenging automotive events.
Broader Context: China’s Electric Vehicle Ecosystem
The terminology debate occurs within the larger context of China’s ambitious electric vehicle development strategy. As the world’s largest electric vehicle market, China’s approach to vehicle classification influences global standards and market perceptions.
Energy Source Transparency
Wei’s comments highlight the growing demand for greater transparency regarding the actual environmental impact of electric vehicles. Industry analysts suggest that acknowledging the current energy reality could actually strengthen long-term sustainability efforts by focusing attention on cleaning up the power grid alongside vehicle electrification.
Market Response and Analyst Perspectives
Financial analysts covering the automotive sector have noted that Wei’s comments reflect a broader industry conversation about authentic sustainability claims. While potentially controversial, the terminology discussion may ultimately lead to more accurate consumer understanding and better-informed policy decisions.
Investment Implications
The debate around what truly constitutes ‘new energy’ could influence investment flows within the electric vehicle ecosystem. Investors may increasingly differentiate between companies based on their actual environmental impact rather than simplistic vehicle classification.
Future Directions for Chinese Automotive Industry
Wei Jianjun’s comments arrive as Chinese automakers accelerate their global expansion efforts. The terminology discussion may influence how Chinese electric vehicles are positioned in international markets, particularly in regions with high renewable energy penetration.
Strategic Positioning Considerations
Industry leaders must balance regulatory requirements with authentic sustainability messaging. As Great Wall Motors and other Chinese automakers expand globally, their ability to communicate transparently about energy sources may become a competitive advantage in environmentally conscious markets.
Moving Beyond Semantics to Substance
The electric vehicles are not new energy debate initiated by Wei Jianjun represents more than mere terminology discussion—it reflects the automotive industry’s growing maturity in addressing complex sustainability challenges. While electric vehicles undoubtedly represent a technological advancement, acknowledging their current energy dependencies creates opportunity for more comprehensive environmental solutions.
Industry stakeholders should monitor how this terminology discussion evolves within regulatory circles and consumer perceptions. The conversation started by Wei Jianjun may ultimately lead to more accurate sustainability assessments that consider both vehicle technology and energy sources. For investors and industry professionals, this represents an opportunity to develop more nuanced evaluation frameworks that better capture the true environmental impact of transportation technologies.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, transparency about energy sources and environmental impact will likely become increasingly important to consumers, regulators, and investors alike. The industry would benefit from embracing this complexity rather than oversimplifying the sustainability narrative.
