Chinese Electric Buses: Security Concerns in Denmark and Norway
The world of public transportation in Denmark and Norway is facing an unexpected challenge as concerns over Chinese technology have emerged. The focus is on the security of electric buses manufactured by Yutong, a Chinese company, which can be remotely stopped or immobilized, raising fears of potential weaponization by China if tensions arise.
Jeppe Gaard, COO of Danish public transport provider Movia, highlights a critical issue: these buses can receive updates and diagnostic tests over the air, allowing for remote deactivation by either the manufacturer or a hacker. This isn't an isolated concern; it's a challenge for all vehicles with online access to their software systems.
In Denmark, Movia operates 262 Yutong buses, phased in since 2019, covering Copenhagen and the eastern regions. The Norwegian bus operator Ruter, managing half of the country's public transport, including Oslo, raised the alarm earlier this month. They conducted underground tests on Yutong and VDL buses, revealing Yutong's direct digital access for software updates and diagnostics.
Yutong's response acknowledges public concerns about vehicle safety and data privacy, emphasizing compliance with laws and industry standards. The company stores European vehicle data in an Amazon Web Services data center in Frankfurt, protected by encryption and access control measures. However, the potential for remote deactivation remains a concern.
This issue is part of a broader complex relationship between Europe and China, marked by reliance on Chinese trade and technology, yet criticism of cyber-aggression, intellectual property theft, and human rights violations. The Dutch government's seizure of Chinese chipmaker Nexperia further highlights the challenges of balancing economic ties and security.
The debate over Chinese electric vehicles in Europe is heated, with concerns about security and potential exploitation. Western nations, including the UK, have already faced similar challenges with 5G networks, and experts like Ken Munro question the plausibility of China intentionally exploiting vulnerabilities. The focus now is on finding solutions to ensure the safety and security of public transportation systems.
