Security fears over electric car ‘invasion’ from China as experts warn they could be remotely controlled to ‘cripple’ Britain
Security fears over an ‘invasion’ of electric cars from China have been raised as experts warn the vehicles could be remotely controlled to ‘cripple’ Britain.
Professor Jim Saker, president of the Institute of Motor Industry, said Britain faces “significant safety issues” from Chinese cars, adding there is “no way” to prevent them from being remote controlled.
In a report to be shared with automakers and regulators, Professor Saker said: “The automaker may be in Shanghai and could stop 100,000 to 300,000 cars across Europe, thereby crippling a country.”
According The TelegraphWhile regulators can test car samples for spyware or other security issues, Professor Saker added that it is not possible to check thousands of vehicles.
Up to 30 new electric car brands are investigating the UK car market, most of them Chinese.
Security fears over an ‘invasion’ of electric cars from China have been raised as experts warn the vehicles could be remotely controlled to ‘cripple’ Britain (File Image)
Up to 30 new electric car brands are investigating the UK car market, most of them Chinese (File Image)
Last week, the boss of Vauxhall owner Stellantis warned of an “invasion” of Chinese electric cars.
Carlos Tavares said that Stellantis faces a difficult scenario in which it must compete with less expensive Chinese cars and must invest billions of pounds in electrification.
Professor Saker highlighted a report published this July, in which MPs warned that China has successfully entered all sectors of the economy in Britain.
Chinese automakers have more access to the battery technology required for electric vehicles (EVs), which means they can bring vehicles to market faster.
Meanwhile, China is also more dominant in lithium production and refining, according to The Telegraph, owning many of the mines that produce it.
Professor Saker warned that the UK has not done enough in the face of the threat of China using its market dominance in key minerals such as lithium.
“Virtually every country is trying to fight over-reliance on China except the UK,” he said.
