What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?
The automotive industry is changing fast, thanks to advancements in AI, connectivity and autonomous technology. Modern vehicles not only include software and AI models from many different players, but they increasingly collect significant amounts of sensitive user data, and leverage cloud-based systems, to help enhance the driving experience and service delivery.
As geopolitical tensions increase, security concerns are now influencing how vehicles are designed and manufactured. There are concerns over back-doors, kill switches and potential monitoring of vehicles – and by extension individuals.
Equally important, standards around the globe differ, raising questions about the relative security of different players in the supply chain.
Geopolitical dynamics are constantly evolving and, while the developments outlined in this piece reflect the state of play at the time of writing, circumstances can shift rapidly.
For automotive leaders, the key is to stay agile and prepared, as global policy and security priorities continue to move.
China: The world's largest EV market and producer
China has solidified its position as the global leader in electric vehicle [EV] production and sales. As of 2023, more than half of the world's EVs were in China, making it the largest EV market and producer. This rapid expansion has largely been driven by strong, and long-term, government support, including subsidies, infrastructure investment and favourable regulations.
Beyond domestic sales, China's EV exports have skyrocketed. Between 2019 and 2023, exports, including foreign brands like Tesla manufactured in China, have surged 160-fold. This rapid growth has sparked concerns over 'overcapacity', with Western markets fearing an influx of low-cost Chinese EVs.
The EU, US, and Canada have responded by announcing tariffs on EVs made in China, and some analysts are calling the situation the start of a potential 'trade war'.
As geopolitical tensions rise, China's dominance in the EV industry continues to reshape global trade dynamics. Despite the ever complex and growing US tariffs, Chinese innovators are continuing to push forward with their global ambitions, undeterred by the ongoing geopolitical challenges
US tariffs and security concerns
US tariffs on Chinese EVs have been framed as a way to combat unfair trade practices and protect domestic manufacturers, but security considerations weigh heavily on such a move.
Connectivity of modern EVs, many of which rely on AI-driven software and data collection, has raised fears of potential cybersecurity threats and data privacy risks.
US officials have become concerned that Chinese-made EVs, with advanced sensors and internet connectivity, might be used to collect sensitive data on American infrastructure, road networks, and even consumers. Some policymakers are concerned the Chinese government could access this data, posing a national security risk.
Similar concerns have been raised in the past about Chinese telecommunications companies and surveillance technology. Apart from the potential cyber risks, the US is also wary of its growing dependence on Chinese battery supply chains.
Given China's monopoly on lithium-ion batteries and key raw materials, policymakers are calling for greater investment in domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports from China.
As a result, tariffs on Chinese EVs are not just about protecting American automakers, they also serve, to some extent, as a wider strategy to limit China's influence in the high-tech automotive sector under the guise of national security concerns.
US-UK trade agreement: Implications for the automotive sector
On 8th May 2025, US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a comprehensive trade agreement. This deal significantly reduces tariffs on key UK exports to the US, including slashing car tariffs from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent for up to 100,000 vehicles.
This agreement provides a reprieve for UK automakers, particularly Jaguar Land Rover, which had paused shipments to the US due to the previously imposed tariffs.
However, the broader implications for global trade dynamics and automotive security remain complex, as the deal doesn't fully restore pre-tariff conditions and maintains certain baseline tariffs.
EVs and evolving security requirements
Although political alliances and tariff regimes may change, cybersecurity threats remain a constant, and the risk of cyberattacks, system vulnerabilities and data breaches is ever present — and growing.
By nature of having more electronics and software, EVs are exposed to a wider range of cyber security threats and attacks and, as the vehicles become more popular, cybercriminals eagerly await exploitation of digital connectivity these cars rely on.
EVs today are exposed to many different types of cyber risks. For example, hackers can intercept wireless key fob signals to launch replay attacks and gain unauthorised access. Compromised charging stations may also serve as entry points for malicious software, jeopardizing vehicle safety – as demonstrated at Pwn2Own Automotive 2024, which identified multiple Zero Day vulnerabilities in a range of EV charging points.
Such security vulnerabilities in charging equipment can expose sensitive user data, including credentials, and public charging infrastructure is also at risk of malware attacks, potentially disrupting essential operations.
Additionally, grid-connected EV charging systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. This could lead to widespread disruptions in the electric distribution network, affecting many users and potentially causing disruption far beyond just EV owners. Ultimately, these risks clearly highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect both lives and safety.
Although concerns are often raised about Chinese EV imports, it's worth noting that many Chinese manufacturers are leading the way in cybersecurity implementation. In contrast, some U.S. and European vendors have been slower to adopt strong cybersecurity standards, which could introduce vulnerabilities into the EV ecosystem.
To mitigate these risks, policymakers might impose stricter regulations, conduct security audits, and require compliance with cybersecurity frameworks before allowing widespread deployment of foreign-made EVs and charging systems.
Final thoughts
The automotive industry is navigating a complex array of regulations, trade restrictions, and security challenges. As cybersecurity threats in the EV sector escalate, alongside growing supply chain vulnerabilities, it's clear that a new, software-centric approach is essential.
EVs are increasingly reliant on software, and geopolitical actors are targeting everything from infotainment systems to network gateways and operating systems. The risks of espionage, intellectual property theft and cyber sabotage are no longer just potential dangers - they are active threats.
And while global politics may shift from month to month, cybersecurity risk does not wait for policy. The digital attack surface in EVs is expanding, and attackers remain constantly active.
As global tensions reshape the EV market, security must be proactive, not reactive, and OEMs must now build next-generation automotive platforms with security and geopolitical resilience in mind. Only then can the industry confidently drive into the future.
Claire Maslen is senior vice president of commercial and operations for Secure Platforms at
"What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
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