The Threat of China-Made Electric Vehicles By Richard Miller (London)
This is something that has not been given much discussion regarding the electric vehicles issue across the West, but it did get an airing in the UK recently. Professor Jim Saker, president of the Motor Industry, claimed a report submitted to Parliament's National Security Strategy committee, that electric vehicles could be "the most effective Trojan Horse" at the Chinese Communist Party's disposal. These vehicles could be spying bugs on wheels, collecting personal data and anything else relevant to the CCP. The communists may also be able to remotely stop the EVs: "We know that at the moment connected vehicles can be stopped remotely."
'If this happened on a motorway at 70 mph and the automatic braking system was applied to a vehicle the traffic would simply pile in the back. If this occurred at strategic points it could gridlock cities." In the event of a war with China, there is no doubt that actions like this, and much else, arising from the mindless globalism that has allowed manufactured goods to be made in China, will be employed to produce chaos in the West.
"Beijing could bring Britain's roads to a standstill by remotely stopping Chinese-made electric cars, MPs have been warned.
The possibility of China remotely controlling EVs and stealing drivers' data presents a 'major security threat' that could be exploited if its relationship with the UK badly deteriorated, an expert claimed.
Sales of electric cars made by Chinese manufacturers have been rising and Beijing plans to expand its EVs to Europe.
Professor Jim Saker, president of the Motor Industry, told MPs that electric vehicles 'flooding into Britain could be 'the most effective Trojan Horse' at the Chinese Communist Party's disposal.
Professor Saker made the claims in a report submitted to Parliament's National Security Strategy committee, which examines threats to the UK's economic security.
The expert, who is also director of the Centre for Automotive Management at Loughborough University, warned Chinese-made electric cars could give spies access to 'big data' as well as personal data.
'We know that at the moment connected vehicles can be stopped remotely,' he wrote in a submission reported by The Times.
'If this happened on a motorway at 70mph and the automatic braking system was applied to a vehicle the traffic would simply pile in the back. If this occurred at strategic points it could gridlock cities.
'Chinese-connected EV's flooding the country could be the most effective Trojan horse that the Chinese establishment has to impact the UK.'
China is home to BYD, the world's bestselling manufacturer of electric cars. The firm sold 526,409 EVs in the final quarter of last year, compared with 484,507 for Tesla.
Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove is among those warning of the potential threat they pose, and recently called on the government to consider banning government ministers from using Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Last year former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith claimed Chinese tracking devices had been installed on Rishi Sunak's official car, although Number 10 declined to comment.
Sir Richard warned the issue was 'the next Huawei' - a reference to the Chinese telecoms company that was banned from Britain's 5G network due to concerns it could steal consumer data.
Joe Biden announced last month that he was taking steps against Chinese automakers to prevent them from selling EVs in the US due to security risks.
There are currently 2.4 million EVs registered in the US, but Biden warned if China is allowed to flood the EV market, carmakers could easily track consumer data at a time when cars are constantly connected to our phones and navigation systems.
He equated vehicles to 'smartphones on wheels,' and said his administration is investigating the potential impact on national security with the possibility of a future ban on Chinese vehicles making their way into the American market.
China has made strides in recent years to amp up its EV production, accounting for 69 percent of all new global EV sales in December alone, and roughly nine million EVs sold last year compared to the US's 1.4 million sold in the nation.
The Chinese Embassy said it would never ask a company or individual to collect data against local laws.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy told MailOnline: 'The popularity of Chinese electric vehicles relies on our technological innovation and superb quality in the midst of global competition.
'Meanwhile, China has abolished all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing and remains open to international car makers who can fully share in the dividends of China's big market.'
They added: 'Economic globalization is a major trend, protectionism is never a good option, and abuse of trade remedies contravenes international trade rules. Only through mutually-beneficial cooperation can we make the pie bigger; only by transcending zero-sum game can we achieve win-win.
'We hope relevant parties will listen carefully to the rational voice from the industry, earnestly observe WTO rules, respect market economy laws, stop turning economic and trade issues into political, security or ideological issues, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for the investment and operation of businesses from all countries, including China.'
BYD previously denied it equips its trucks with technology that can be used to secretly spy on US citizens and provide data to the Chinese government.
Following allegations in 2020, BYD said in a statement that it 'does not build buses that spy on Americans' but builds buses that are 'technologically superior to any other product on the market'.
'BYD is driving innovation and partnering with many American start-up ventures in the battle against climate change,' it told FreightWaves.
'It is unfortunate that BYD's competitors have chosen to use the legislative process to gain a competitive advantage in the market.'
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