Accelerating too quickly in electric vehicles: a warning from the Great Wall.

Wei Jianjun, Chairman of Great Wall Automotive Group, argues that the excessively rapid acceleration of electric vehicles poses significant safety risks. Speaking at the launch of the Haval H6L, he emphasized that vehicles accelerating from 0–100 km/h in under 4 seconds typically require professionally trained drivers; in reality, many accidents stem from drivers being unprepared for such a powerful acceleration.

According to him, aggressive acceleration can cause drivers to become dizzy and disoriented, going against the laws of physics and physiology. He suggested prioritizing the ability to accelerate from 0–40 km/h to quickly navigate intersections, rather than racing for speeds of 0–100 km/h. Once 60 km/h is reached, the acceleration response doesn't need to be overly aggressive.

Warning from the Great Wall Chairman about hyper-acceleration.

The key point in Mr. Wei's message is that "high power must be accompanied by control." He recognizes that sudden acceleration not only compromises safety but also leads to negative consequences: increased pollution emissions (in the context of traffic), wasted energy, and premature vehicle wear and tear. He argues that the way society operates is like driving a car: you can't rush to accelerate.

From a practical standpoint, he emphasized that the real need lies in the low speed range. Common scenarios include starting off, merging into lanes, and navigating intersections – where throttle sensitivity and smooth response are more valuable than the 0–100 km/h acceleration time. If the response is too sensitive, the driver, especially a novice, can be startled.

Draft regulation: safe default mode during startup.

At the same time, a new draft regulation was released addressing the increase in accidents involving electric and hybrid vehicles during startup. The main reason cited is that drivers are not adequately prepared but the vehicle activates high-speed acceleration mode.

The draft regulations require new vehicles to start in a low acceleration mode, allowing users to get used to it before needing more power. Specifically, every time the vehicle is started (except in cases where the engine automatically shuts off and then restarts), the default mode must ensure a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of at least 5 seconds. Drivers can still switch to other modes when higher performance is needed.

0–40 km/h: the speed range that determines a sense of safety.

According to Mr. Wei, optimizing the 0–40 km/h range offers clear advantages in urban conditions. Smooth acceleration, linear power adjustment, and good traction control make it easier for new drivers to master the vehicle, reducing the risk of oversteer and loss of control.

At speeds of 60 km/h, acceleration should not be overly aggressive. Once the driver has settled into traffic, prioritize smooth, stable driving over bursts of speed. This approach aligns with safety goals and more efficient energy use.

Significance for users and manufacturers

For users, defaulting the car to a gentler acceleration mode after each start significantly reduces the likelihood of a sudden jolt when pressing the gas pedal, especially in tight spaces or during sudden maneuvers. Once they get used to it, they can proactively switch to a higher power mode.

For manufacturers, shifting the performance philosophy from "0–100 km/h performance" to "low-range control" guides the development of traction management systems and throttle response that are more responsive, smooth, and predictable. This also aligns with the safety and sustainability trends that Mr. Wei mentioned.

Conclude

Wei Jianjun's remarks at the Haval H6L event and the content of the new draft regulations reveal a shift: instead of chasing impressive 0–100 km/h performance, the industry is prioritizing acceleration control at low speeds to reduce accidents and use energy efficiently. Given the rising number of electric vehicle-related collisions, the "safety by default, performance when needed" approach seems to resonate with the majority of users.