Citing security concerns, the US is now looking to ban Chinese and Russian-made vehicles

Vehicles from "countries of concern" will be kept off American roads

News By Max Delaney published 24 September 2024

Electric vehicles made in China could be banned in the US from 2027 if a proposed new rule is passed. The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would prohibit the import and sale of vehicles and components made by manufacturers "with a sufficient nexus" to the People's Republic of China or Russia. 

The proposed rule focuses on specific elements in electric vehicle (EV) hardware and software, and the potentially malicious use of the information and data required by them. The Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS) allows cars to communicate externally through Bluetooth, cellular, satellite or Wi-Fi modules, while the Automated Driving System (ADS) allows a car to operate without a driver. This ban would encompass any parts imported for use in American-made cars, as well as those built into vehicles from China and Russia.

If passed without change, the only vehicles that would be exempt are those related to agricultural or mining purposes. And, while a senior Biden administration official says “[Chinese] and Russian automakers do not currently play a significant role in the US auto market", they believe it’s a necessary preventative strike given the sophistication of today's electric cars and their growing centrality.

A statement from the White House clarifies that, "These technologies include computer systems that control vehicle movement and collect sensitive driver and passenger data as well as cameras and sensors that enable automated driving systems and record detailed information about American infrastructure."

"While connected vehicles yield many benefits, the data security and cybersecurity risks posed by software and hardware components sourced from the PRC and other countries of concern are equally clear,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

It was only this month that the US increased tariffs on Chinese EV imports to 100%, and this rule comes as China's auto exports have boomed, increasing by more than 30% in the first six months of 2024 according to the Associated Press.

Though the proposal could still see change, if passed in its current state the new software ban would take effect on all vehicles with the model year 2027, with hardware provisions beginning with model year 2030.

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