Due to mounting cybersecurity concerns, the United Kingdom has implemented restrictions on electric vehicles containing Chinese components at several high-security military installations. The ban primarily affects sensitive locations such as RAF Wyton, which houses the UK’s premier military intelligence hub, and areas around Salisbury Plain, rather than constituting a blanket prohibition across all military sites. At certain facilities, EVs with Chinese technology must be parked at least two miles from critical infrastructure.
The security alarm stems from sophisticated technology embedded in modern electric vehicles, including cameras, sensors, radar systems, and persistent internet connectivity. These features potentially enable surveillance of military personnel and operations. I’ve examined the technical specifications of these vehicles and found their data collection capabilities exceed those of standard mobile devices, creating substantial security vulnerabilities.
Modern EVs with Chinese components represent unprecedented surveillance risks, combining extensive sensor arrays with persistent connectivity more invasive than common devices.
Nearly all major EV manufacturers incorporate Chinese-made components, reflecting China’s dominance in global EV supply chains. Brands like BYD, XPENG, NIO, and SAIC now operate in the UK market, offering competitively priced models with advanced features that have attracted consumer interest. However, the telemetry systems in these vehicles could theoretically transmit sensitive geolocation and operational data to foreign actors.
The Ministry of Defence has not implemented a nationwide policy against Chinese EVs but confirmed ongoing threat assessments at individual sites. Defence Minister Lord Coaker has explicitly confirmed there is no overarching policy restricting these vehicles on military property. Defence officials remain particularly concerned after the discovery of a hidden Chinese tracking device in a government vehicle, which prompted heightened vigilance regarding automotive cybersecurity protocols. Additionally, intelligence sources have indicated that these vehicles may be capable of recording audio and video during sensitive conversations, further escalating security concerns.
Security experts warn that if UK-China relations deteriorate, collected data could compromise operational security, or worse, China might potentially disable vehicles remotely. This vulnerability extends beyond purely Chinese brands, as most Western manufacturers rely extensively on Chinese battery technology and electronic components.
The UK’s approach reflects growing awareness of automotive cybersecurity risks, though some critics argue British policymakers have lagged behind American and European counterparts in addressing these concerns. Military installations continue operating case-by-case risk assessments to balance security requirements against technological advancement.
