UKs electric buses, particularly those from Yutong, face potential security risks as Chinese manufacturers could remotely deactivate them, raising alarm over public transport safety.
- Yutong electric buses have been integrated into public transport networks across the UK since 2018, with over 2,500 units currently in operation.
- Experts warned that the ability of China to remotely control and deactivate these buses poses a significant security threat, likening it to a major act close to war.
- Concerns regarding Yutong buses extend beyond the UK, with similar vehicles operating in Denmark and Norway, highlighting a wider European vulnerability.
Why It Matters
The potential for remote deactivation of electric buses by a foreign power illustrates significant cybersecurity risks in critical infrastructure. This situation raises urgent questions about the reliance on international manufacturers for essential public services.