New tests conducted by Ruter, a public transport operator in Oslo, Norway, have highlighted significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in electric buses manufactured by Yutong, a leading Chinese company. The trials, carried out a few months ago, revealed that the Chinese-made buses can be manipulated remotely, raising urgent safety concerns for public transport.
The tests compared a bus from a European manufacturer with one from Yutong. While the European model demonstrated robust security, the Chinese bus was found to have software access that could potentially allow its manufacturer to disable the vehicle or render it inoperable. Ruter’s findings have prompted immediate attention from Norwegian authorities, as the implications of such vulnerabilities are severe.
Arild Tjomsland, a special advisor at the University of South-Eastern Norway who assisted with 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 capability could not only disrupt transport operations but also be exploited during a crisis, posing a risk to public safety.
Ruter Director Bernt Reitan Jenssen emphasized the risks involved with connected vehicles, saying, “We’ve found that everything that is connected poses a risk — and that includes buses.” The findings from Ruter have been forwarded to the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Norway, signaling a potential overhaul of security protocols for electric public transport.
This revelation comes amidst growing concerns over the safety of electric vehicles, particularly those manufactured in China. As global markets shift towards green energy solutions, the ability of foreign manufacturers to control essential vehicle functions raises red flags regarding national security and public safety.
In September 2024, as part of efforts to promote green energy, the U.S. saw a surge of interest in Chinese electric vehicles, a trend that has sparked debates in the UK about potential threats to domestic manufacturing and national security. The British government faced criticism for opening its doors to Chinese EVs, which some experts warn could be “weaponized” by Beijing.
As local and international authorities assess the implications of Ruter’s findings, the public is urged to stay informed about the developments affecting the safety of electric buses. The situation is evolving rapidly, and further updates are expected as officials respond to these critical cybersecurity threats.
Watch for government responses and potential regulatory changes in the coming days as Norway leads the charge in addressing these pressing issues. The safety of public transport and the integrity of electric vehicle technologies are now at the forefront of global discussions.
