British Concerns Over Imported Chinese Electric Cars
British ministers have expressed concerns that Chinese electric cars imported into the country in the framework of achieving zero emissions can become a tool for cyber espionage from Beijing. As the government plans to ban new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, there is growing concern about China’s dominance in the electric car market.
Officials fear that the technology built into these electric cars could be used to collect extensive data, including location, audio, and video recording data. They are also concerned that these cars could be subject to remote manipulation. The inter-party group of deputies has warned that the UK is at risk of losing control over its car market to Beijing.
The leaders of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance in China in the UK have issued a warning that urgent measures are needed to prevent China from “supplanting” the domestic automobile industry. The group states that without action, the UK could be flooded with Chinese cars and batteries, posing significant safety risks.
In response to these concerns, there have been proposals to revise the policy on mandatory promotion of zero emissions. Under the proposed plans, companies would be required to sell 22% of new cars with zero emissions by 2024, increasing to 80% by 2030. Failure to meet these targets would result in fines or the need to purchase “credits” from companies that have exceeded the goals, including Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and Tesla.
The technologies in modern cars, particularly the “cell modules” used for internet connectivity and data transmission, have the potential to be exploited for espionage and harmful intervention. China currently dominates the global supply market for these modules.
The authorities in Great Britain are actively working to strengthen infrastructure and supply chain stability in order to protect the country’s economic security. The procurement bill allows ministers to exclude Chinese companies from sensitive areas, such as providing cars for the government. However, the presence of Chinese modules in the cars of British citizens remains a security threat.