U.S. Proposes Ban on Chinese and Russian Vehicle Software

The U.S. Department of Commerce has officially proposed a ban on Chinese- and Russian-made software and hardware in vehicles, citing national security concerns. The proposal, announced on Monday, would affect vehicles using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite, or cellular systems – technologies increasingly common in modern cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs).

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that the move is purely security-focused, not economically motivated. “This is about addressing a very real threat that connected vehicles pose to our country and the American people,” Raimondo stated.

The ban stems from an investigation initiated by President Biden in March, examining potential cybersecurity risks associated with Chinese vehicle software. If implemented, it would effectively halt the import of Chinese vehicles to the U.S., though current imports from China are minimal.

The proposal targets connected vehicles due to their vulnerability to foreign interference and their integration with critical U.S. infrastructure. Raimondo highlighted the risks, noting that modern cars contain cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking, all connected to the internet.

While primarily focusing on software, the ban also includes hardware restrictions and regulations for charging stations, power generation, and energy storage systems. The proposed timeline suggests implementing the software ban for 2027 model year vehicles and the hardware ban for 2030 model year vehicles.

This move aligns with recent actions by the U.S., Canada, and the European Union to impose high import tariffs on Chinese EVs and components, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and competitiveness.

Chinese officials have refuted claims of security threats, arguing that the ban is an attempt to stifle competition. The U.S. recently postponed plans for 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs but has since decided to proceed with the tariff implementation.

As the automotive industry becomes increasingly digitized and connected, this proposal reflects growing concerns about the intersection of national security and vehicle technology in the global market.