The Biden administration Banning Chinese software and some hardware from internet-connected cars in the US. It is considered a national security measure, and the administration says the software poses “new threats to our national security, including our supply chains.”
The same reason is behind the recent ban on telecom equipment . In this case, the claims had teeth because the documents showed how Huawei was . Today’s announcement said China “may use critical technologies from connected vehicles within our supply chains for surveillance and sabotage to undermine national security.”
The rules announced today go beyond just software. It will also cover any hardware that connects the vehicle to the outside world, including Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite components. It also includes cameras, sensors and on-board computers. The software ban will go into effect in the 2027 model year, while the corresponding hardware ban will begin in the 2030 model year.
The proposed ban also includes Russian automotive software. One in the country but primarily for domestic use. In Russia, there is nothing as globally sensual as cheap electric cars from Chinese companies like BYD.
This brings us to the main point. While the proposed ban is mainly for internet-connected software, it would effectively block all Chinese car imports. The software is almost baked in, as are the hardware elements that enable connectivity. Due to the recent tariffs, it is now difficult to buy one of these cars from the state but that would be almost impossible.
However, government officials are adamant that this is a step taken to increase national security and does not prohibit cheaper electric vehicles from being removed from another market. “Connected vehicles and the technology they use bring new vulnerabilities and threats, especially with vehicles or components made in the PRC. [People’s Republic of China] and other countries of concern,” said Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s national security adviser. These statements were given and made to journalists over the weekend .
Sullivan continued with the reference It is China’s alleged attempt to inject malicious code into America’s energy systems, pipelines and other critical infrastructure. US officials fear that the program could be used to cripple American military bases in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan or a similar military excursion.
Peter Harrell, who was the National Security Council’s director general for international economics during the Biden administration, said. The New York Times “This will likely open the door to broader government measures that will ‘continue’ for several years, regardless of who wins the presidential election.”
It should be noted that the BYD Seagull, for example, . That makes it cheaper than American electric cars, even after being hit with a 100 percent tariff. A fully featured EV for $20,000 sounds pretty cool right now. Oh well. It was fun to dream.
