Gasgoo Munich-On September 20, the 2026 International Forum(Teda) on Chinese Automotive Industry Development hosted a session titled "Going Green: New Energy Vehicle Development and Charging Infrastructure." Yao Zhanhui, a chief expert at the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), delivered a speech titled "Practice and Reflections on the Integrated Development of Automobiles and Multi-Energy Charging Systems." He argued that the industry must view development through an energy lens. The path forward, he said, should prioritize pure electric drive while embracing a diverse, locally adapted mix of solutions—ultimately forging a symbiotic link between vehicles and the new energy system.
Image Source: 2026 Tianjin Forum
Yao noted that China is already piloting initiatives across a broad front—from rural charging programs and public-sector electrification to zero-carbon freight corridors, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech, battery swapping, fuel cells, and green methanol. Specifically, the second phase of hydrogen energy demonstrations aims to put 100,000 fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2030, while slashing hydrogen costs to under 25 yuan per kilogram.
Yet the industry faces four concrete challenges. First, there’s a spatial mismatch between energy supply and vehicle demand. Second, policymakers must balance pure electrics with low-carbon alternatives like methanol and ammonia engines—avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Third, policy support remains uneven across different technological paths. And finally, the economics and business models for hydrogen and methanol haven't yet proven viable; achieving commercial viability is a prerequisite for leveling the policy playing field.
He offered three recommendations: embrace a diverse mindset to avoid over-reliance on any single technology; strengthen cross-industry planning to build an "electricity-first, oil-coexistence, multi-energy fusion" infrastructure network; and use pilot projects to refine replicable models before scaling them up nationwide.
