UPDATE: Alarming new tests have revealed significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in electric buses manufactured by China’s Yutong, raising urgent safety concerns in Oslo, Norway. The public transport operator, Ruter, conducted secret trials comparing a European-made electric bus to one from Yutong. The results confirmed that the Chinese bus could be manipulated by its manufacturer, posing potential risks to public safety.
The tests, carried out a few months ago, found that while the European bus remained secure, the Yutong vehicle allowed the manufacturer access to vital systems, including software updates and battery controls. This means the manufacturer could potentially disable the bus or render it unusable at any time, according to Ruter’s findings.
Arild Tjomsland, a special advisor at the University of South-Eastern Norway who assisted with the trials, expressed his concerns: “The Chinese bus can be stopped, turned off, or receive updates that can destroy the technology that the bus needs to operate normally.” He emphasized that while hackers couldn’t steer the buses, the ability to stop them could disrupt operations, especially during emergencies.
Ruter Director Bernt Reitan Jenssen stated, “We’ve found that everything that is connected poses a risk — and that includes buses.” The implications are severe, as this vulnerability could not only affect daily transport operations but also serve as leverage in crisis situations.
These findings come at a time when concerns over Chinese technology infiltrating Western markets are growing. The tests have been forwarded to officials at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Norway, prompting urgent discussions about the security of public transport systems.
The situation reflects a broader global trend where Chinese automakers are increasingly targeting markets across Europe and the United States. Recent reports indicate that during former President Joe Biden’s push for green energy, Chinese firms aimed to flood the U.S. with cost-effective electric vehicles, raising fears about national security and operational safety.
As the debate intensifies over the safety of imported electric vehicles, experts warn that the risks associated with connected technology in public transport could have far-reaching consequences. The public and transport authorities are urged to remain vigilant regarding the cybersecurity protocols of vehicles entering their fleets.
What’s next? Authorities are expected to reevaluate the approval processes for electric buses, especially those manufactured overseas. Stakeholders in Norway and beyond will be watching closely as discussions unfold around enhancing safety measures and potentially restricting imports that jeopardize public safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
