Investigation: Can electric buses from China be switched off in Great Britain?

Authorities in Great Britain are investigating the suspicion that Chinese electric buses can be deactivated remotely. The Department for Transport is working with the National Cyber Security Centre on this according to the Sunday Times. The reason for this was an investigation in Norway, in which a bus from the manufacturer Yutong showed a hacking vulnerability. Denmark is also investigating the initial suspicion.

The public transport company Ruter discovered in Norway during tests that a digital access for software updates and diagnostic data could theoretically also be used to manipulate the 850 Yutong buses in Norway remotely. However, cameras installed in the bus could not be used from the outside, as they are not connected to the internet.

Remote access can be isolated

Ruter inspected the brand-new bus in a disused mine in the summer to prevent external influences, for example via mobile radio. The results were only communicated recently. The test was intended to check the safety of the e-buses. The investigation revealed that a Romanian SIM card is installed in the bus, which enables access to the bus's energy and battery management system. For comparison, a three-year-old electric bus from the Dutch manufacturer VDL was tested. This could not be maintained remotely and also offered no corresponding digital access.

The Yutong bus could theoretically be disabled with a software update. However, Ruter points out that the module for remote access is not deeply integrated into the vehicle's systems. The connection to the outside world can be easily disconnected. It is also possible to get a preview of the sent updates.

MP fears "listening devices"

Yutong stated, according to The Times, that the company strictly adheres to the laws and standards of the operating countries. Data is only used for vehicle-related maintenance and optimization. Furthermore, access is protected by encryption and access controls. Access is only possible with customer authorization. EU data protection laws are also strictly adhered to.

According to British media, around 700 Yutong buses are on British roads, mainly in Glasgow, Nottingham, and South Wales. BYD, also a Chinese manufacturer, has almost 2500 buses in use in Great Britain, over 1000 of which are in London. Yutong is currently developing a double-decker electric bus that is intended to meet London's standards. However, there have been no orders so far.

The concern in Great Britain is primarily based on the strained relations with China. Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, for example, fears "listening devices" on British roads.

(mki)