As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to dominate conversations around sustainability and the future of mobility, a surprising voice has entered the chat — defence and national security leaders. While EVs are celebrated for their environmental and economic advantages, there’s growing concern among military experts that they could pose risks to national security.
Here’s a deep dive into what these concerns are and why they matter.
1. Rise of EVs: A Double-Edged Sword
-
Global adoption is rising rapidly. Governments worldwide are pushing for EV transitions — from personal cars to entire fleets.
-
Smart but connected. EVs are equipped with advanced sensors, GPS, and constant internet connectivity, making them smarter, but also more vulnerable to cyber threats.
According to the IEA (2024), global EV sales hit over 14 million units last year — that’s nearly 20% of total car sales.
2. The Cybersecurity Angle: A Silent Battlefield
-
EVs are rolling computers. Their reliance on software, over-the-air updates, and cloud connectivity creates multiple attack vectors.
-
Real-time tracking risks. If compromised, adversaries could potentially track the movements of individuals, even high-ranking officials or military personnel.
-
Critical infrastructure dependency. A wide-scale hack into EV charging networks or control software could disrupt civilian and defence mobility.
In 2022, a white-hat hacker demonstrated how he remotely accessed Tesla vehicles in 13 countries, unlocking doors and controlling key functions.
(Source: The Guardian, 2022)
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Foreign Dependence
-
Batteries are a major weak link. Over 80% of the world’s lithium-ion battery production is centered in China, creating geopolitical dependencies.
-
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are mined in politically unstable regions or nations with strained relations.
-
Software and chips often come from foreign manufacturers, some of whom may be aligned with adversarial nations.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a report warning about over-reliance on Chinese EV components and software systems.
4. Espionage Through the Grid
-
Smart EVs collect vast data. Locations, habits, and interactions — all of which could be valuable for foreign intelligence.
-
Backdoor concerns. Some military experts worry that foreign-made EVs or software might have intentional backdoors for surveillance.
-
National fleets are at stake. If public service or military support vehicles are electrified without stringent security protocols, they become potential targets.
5. Defence Leaders Speak Out
-
General James Cartwright, former Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, has warned that the widespread integration of EVs without robust cyber and supply chain protections is “an Achilles heel in modern defence systems.”
-
UK Defence Ministry recently delayed the adoption of electric logistics vehicles pending a full cybersecurity and supply chain audit.
6. What Needs to Be Done?
To ensure EV adoption doesn’t come at the cost of national security, experts recommend:
-
Zero-trust cybersecurity models for EVs and their charging infrastructure.
-
Domestic production of critical components, including batteries and chips.
-
Independent auditing of all software systems in EVs used by public agencies.
-
Strict procurement policies for defence and law enforcement EV fleets.
-
Regular penetration testing and ethical hacking of EV systems before rollout.
7. Balancing Innovation with Vigilance
EVs are undeniably the future — clean, efficient, and technologically advanced. But as with any powerful tool, they must be handled with care.
The road to sustainability should not come at the expense of national sovereignty. As nations accelerate toward electric mobility, they must ensure security is driving the shotgun.