New energy vehicles provide an important opportunity for the transformation and upgrading as well as high-quality development of China’s automobile industry. Based on the innovative thinking that should be maintained in the development of new energy vehicles, this paper analyzes the three elements required for innovation, i.e., ideas, talents, and atmosphere; it also presents the thinking methods required for innovation, i.e., prospective thinking, differential thinking, global thinking, and circular thinking. On this basis, it is proposed that the development of new energy vehicles should be promoted by innovation, policies, and the market; good products, infrastructure, and business models are crucial for the development; and the transport, energy, information, and cultural networks should be integrated. It is hoped that this study can provide strategic references for the development of new energy vehicles in China.