Chinese vehicle technology raises fears of remote disruption to British emergency services
Security sources say Chinese components in electric vehicles and critical infrastructure could allow remote actors to disable vehicles, raising concerns about Britain’s reliance on Chinese technology. The reported risk is particularly serious for emergency services and transport networks, where disruption could hinder public services and logistics.
The article says the Metropolitan Police has 1,600 electric and hybrid vehicles with Chinese cellular devices, and that emergency vehicles have been modified to remove suspected remote access capabilities. It also cites a tracking device found in a government car in 2022, kill switches reportedly identified in Chinese buses and renewable energy equipment, and China’s share of new UK car sales nearly doubling to close to one in five over the past year. The claims are attributed to security sources and experts; the article also notes that Chinese firms are subject to national intelligence laws.
- Security sources warn Chinese technology could expose UK vehicles to remote disruption.
- Emergency vehicles have reportedly been modified to remove suspected access points.
- Chinese brands now account for nearly one in five new UK car sales.
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Electric vehicles use connected devices to share data and support features such as navigation and remote maintenance. If those devices can also receive commands, security experts say a hostile actor might be able to interfere with a vehicle or other connected equipment.
The Metropolitan Police has said it modified some vehicles to remove suspected remote access features. The wider concern includes buses, energy equipment and transport networks, where a disruption could affect public services and deliveries.
Chinese companies supply a growing share of vehicles and technology used in Britain. Security concerns focus partly on the Chinese state’s ability to require companies to assist its intelligence work, while the reported risks remain claims attributed to security sources and experts.
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The case for
If connected vehicle components can be accessed remotely, a hostile actor could disrupt emergency response or transport at a critical moment. Given the reported vulnerabilities, China’s intelligence laws and the scale of Chinese technology in public services, precautionary measures such as removing remote access and reviewing suppliers could protect public safety and national resilience.
The case against
The reported risks are attributed to sources and experts, and the examples cited do not by themselves establish that Chinese vehicles or equipment have been remotely disabled in Britain. Broad restrictions could impose costs on emergency services and consumers, disrupt supply chains and trade, and treat firms as security threats without clear, independently verified evidence; targeted testing and safeguards may address specific vulnerabilities more proportionately.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “As MI5 warns British universities have been infiltrated by Beijing’s spies, security sources tell MoS with the flick of a switch, China could disable our police cars, buses and ambulances”.