URGENT UPDATE: Safety tests conducted by Ruter, a public transport operator in Oslo, Norway, have unveiled alarming cybersecurity vulnerabilities in electric buses manufactured by the Chinese company Yutong. The tests, which took place a few months ago, revealed that while a European electric bus remained secure, the Yutong model could be manipulated remotely, raising serious safety concerns.
The findings indicate that Yutong has access to critical systems within the buses, including software, diagnostics, and battery control systems. This means the manufacturer could potentially stop the bus or render it inoperable at any moment. Arild Tjomsland, a special advisor at the University of South-Eastern Norway who participated in the tests, stated, “The Chinese bus can be stopped, turned off, or receive updates that can destroy the technology that the bus needs to operate normally.”
This revelation comes as electric vehicles from China are increasingly being considered for markets worldwide, including the United States. During former President Joe Biden’s push for green energy, concerns were raised about Chinese automakers flooding the market with inexpensive electric vehicles. The implications are profound; if such vehicles can be compromised, they could pose risks during operational crises.
Ruter’s Director, Bernt Reitan Jenssen, emphasized the broader implications of these tests, stating, “We’ve found that everything that is connected poses a risk — and that includes buses.” He further noted that suppliers could take control, leaving the door open for external players to interfere with bus operations.
The alarming test results have been forwarded to officials at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Norway, marking a critical moment for transportation safety standards in the region. The findings underscore the urgent need for stringent cybersecurity measures in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.
As the global market for electric vehicles continues to expand, the risks highlighted by these tests may influence regulatory decisions and consumer confidence. Stakeholders are urged to assess the implications of these vulnerabilities as the situation develops.
Watch for forthcoming statements from Norwegian transport authorities and further developments on the cybersecurity protocols that may be enacted in response to these findings.
