Are Chinese EVs Being Used for Espionage?
Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly transformed from niche technology into a dominant global trend. In 2024 alone, over 17 million EVs and plug-in hybrids were sold worldwide — with China accounting for a staggering 11 million of those units. Brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng are now household names, offering everything from budget compacts like the Dolphin (also known as Seagull) to luxury SUVs bristling with smart features. Chinese EVs are no longer rare sightings on Western roads — they're front and center in showrooms from Berlin to Los Angeles. BYD recently overtook Tesla as the world's top EV manufacturer, and its ambitions are crystal clear: dominate the global EV landscape within the decade.
This explosive rise hasn't gone unnoticed in Western capitals. Alarmed by China's low production costs, state-backed subsidies, and expanding market share, governments across the U.S. and Europe have begun pushing back. In 2024, the U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%, effectively locking them out of the American market. The European Commission followed with anti-subsidy investigations and provisional duties reaching 35% or more, aiming to curb what it sees as unfair competition. While the UK has yet to impose similar national measures, quiet restrictions have emerged around sensitive military sites.
But trade protection is only part of the picture. A darker question looms beneath the surface: could these Chinese EVs serve as tools of espionage?
Western intelligence agencies and lawmakers have expressed growing concern. Modern EVs are, quite literally, computers on wheels — and some believe they might be the perfect Trojan horse. These vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking, high-resolution cameras, microphones, and over-the-air software update systems. Officials in the U.S., EU, UK, and Australia have all warned that this connectivity — especially when manufactured by firms under Chinese jurisdiction — creates real national security risks. U.S. senators have publicly speculated that such cars could map roads, track government movements, or even be remotely disabled in a cyber conflict.
Is such a threat technically possible? On a purely theoretical level, yes. A single modern EV can generate more than 1,000 GB of data per hour. This includes GPS logs, driver behavior, video feeds, microphone input, and even synced smartphone data. Chinese EVs like the NIO ES8 have been observed transmitting up to 90% of their data traffic to servers in China. Given China's 2017 National Intelligence Law — which compels domestic firms to cooperate with state authorities — critics fear that this data could be accessed by Beijing.
Modern EVs introduce cybersecurity risks because of their connected architecture. Components like modems, processors, and infotainment systems — essential for internet access, vehicle control, and smartphone integration — can also create vulnerabilities. Cellular modules in particular could be exploited to intercept data or link to internal systems. Over-the-air (OTA) updates add another layer of risk, as compromised software could enable surveillance or remote interference. With their built-in radios, cameras, microphones, and sensors, EVs are already powerful data collectors. Experts warn that if misused, they could operate as passive surveillance platforms, transmitting sensitive information without driver awareness.
Yet for all the speculation, direct proof of espionage remains elusive. No major public incident has confirmed that a Chinese EV has been used to spy on Western governments or citizens. Even high-level officials acknowledge the risk is hypothetical — not proven. As some analysts point out, China has far more efficient means of surveillance, such as mobile apps, telecom infrastructure, and smart devices. Moreover, any misuse of EV platforms could backfire disastrously, damaging China's global economic interests.
Beijing, for its part, has flatly denied the accusations. In response to British and American concerns, Chinese officials have called the claims 'baseless' and 'irrational.' The Chinese embassy in London emphasized its support for open supply chains and noted that no credible evidence has shown Chinese cars pose an actual security threat.
And here lies the contradiction: if EVs are a threat, what about smartphones? Or routers? Or smart speakers and wearables? Chinese technology is already embedded deeply in Western lifestyles — from the phones we carry to the cameras on our streets. Even vehicles made by German or American brands often contain Chinese-made components. The truth is, data risks are everywhere in a hyper-connected world.
So, are Chinese EVs espionage tools? The answer lies in a gray zone. The potential exists, but the danger — at least so far — is more symbolic than operational. What we're witnessing is not just a security debate, but a geopolitical clash over technology, influence, and control. In that context, EVs are just the latest frontier.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
29 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Tens of Thousands of Pro-Palestinian Protesters March in London
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in London on Saturday calling for an end to the war in Gaza, amid concerns that the Iran-Israel conflict could spark wider regional devastation. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, donned keffiyeh scarves and carried signs including "Stop arming Israel" and "No war on Iran" as they marched in the sweltering heat in central London. "It's important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I fear all the focus will be on Iran now," said 34-year-old Harry Baker, attending his third pro-Palestinian protest. "I don't have great love for the Iranian regime, but we are now in a dangerous situation," he added. There have been monthly protests in the British capital since the start of the 20-month-long war between Israel and Hamas, which has ravaged Gaza. Saturday's march comes amid heightened global tensions as the United States mulls joining Israel's strikes against Iran. Cries of "Palestine will be free" rang out as protesters carried signs saying, "Hands off Gaza" or "Stop starving Gaza". Gaza is suffering from famine-like conditions according to UN agencies in the region following an Israeli aid blockade. Gaza's civil defense agency has reported that hundreds have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to reach the US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution sites. "People need to keep their eyes on Gaza. That's where the genocide is happening," said 60-year-old protester Nicky Marcus. "I feel frustrated, angry because of what's happening in Gaza," said 31-year-old data analyst Jose Diaz. "It's in everyone's eyes. It's still on after so many months," Diaz added. The overall death toll in Gaza since the war broke out has reached at least 55,637 people, according to the health ministry. Israel has denied it is carrying out a genocide and says it aims to wipe out Hamas after 1,219 people were killed in Israel by the group's October 7, 2023, attack. A 31-year-old Iranian student who did not want to share her name, told AFP she had family in Iran and was "scared". "I'm worried about my country. I know the regime is not good, but it's still my country. I'm scared," she said. Tehran said over 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched strikes last week claiming its arch-foe was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies. Some 25 people have been killed in Israel, according to official figures.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
US Treasury Targets Houthis in Yemen with Sanctions
The US on Friday said it has taken its single largest sanctions action to date against Yemen's Houthi militias, a key Iranian ally, by imposing sanctions on four people, 12 entities, and two ships that Washington alleges import oil and other goods for the group. Treasury's Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said Friday's action 'underscores our commitment to disrupting the Houthis' financial and shipping pipelines that enable their reckless behavior in the Red Sea and the surrounding region.' The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the Red Sea corridor as an effort to end Israel's offensive in Gaza. They have also targeted Israel with long-range missiles. Also on Friday, the Trump administration issued fresh Iran-related sanctions, including on two entities based in Hong Kong, and counterterrorism-related sanctions, according to a notice posted to the Treasury Department's website. The sanctions target at least 20 entities, five individuals and three vessels, according to Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control.
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
Germany to hire 11,000 more military personnel this year: Report
The German government will provide funds for an extra 11,000 military personnel by the end of the year, an increase of around 4 percent, tabloid Bild reported on Saturday, citing government sources. The money will be provided for 10,000 soldiers and 1,000 civilian employees for the military by end-2025, the newspaper said, adding the move was part of this year's budget planning to be approved by the cabinet next week. The new jobs will cover armed, air, naval and cyber forces, the report said. Germany's Defense Ministry declined to comment. Germany needs up to 60,000 additional troops under new NATO targets for weapons and personnel, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said earlier this month, as the alliance beefs up its forces to respond to what it sees as an increased threat from Russia.
