Electric cars are basically computers on wheels. They're constantly connected to the internet, full of apps, and always updating. So it’s fair to ask: can they be hacked?
As EVs (electric vehicles) become more common, especially among younger drivers, cybercriminals are starting to pay attention. They already go after smartphones and laptops, and EVs are just the next big target.
So, can someone actually hack your EV?
Technically, yes. But don’t panic. Antoinette Hodes, a cybersecurity expert at Check Point, says drivers should stay alert, not scared. The more connected your car is (think charging points, apps, wireless systems), the more chances there are for hackers to try their luck.
“EVs rely on wireless communication (bluetooth, wifi, GPS, etc) and cloud-based ecosystems, which makes them vulnerable to cyber threats,” she says.
In real-life hacking competitions (yes, those exist), white-hat hackers have managed to break into things like Tesla chargers. Back in 2016, someone even hacked a Nissan Leaf through its app and messed with the air con.
What are hackers actually going for?
According to Daniel dos Santos from cybersecurity firm Forescout, the biggest threat is EV chargers, especially the ones at home. Many are linked up with solar panels or smart home systems, and they’re all online. If hacked, criminals could:
- Steal your electricity
- Charge you for power you didn’t use
- Access your personal data
Even worse, in theory, a hacker could create a virus that spreads between cars and chargers like a digital infection. It hasn’t happened yet, but researchers say it’s technically possible.
Are some EV brands riskier than others?
Hackers have shown they can break into high-end brands like Tesla. But cheaper EVs, particularly some models from China, might come with fewer built-in protections. That’s why UK defence workers were recently told not to plug work phones into some Chinese-made cars, just in case the apps grab sensitive data.
If you're just driving one as a regular consumer, the risk is lower. But there’s still a chance personal info could leak from less secure systems.
What can you do to protect your EV?
Treat your electric car like any other connected device. That means:
- Keep software and apps updated
- Don’t connect sketchy devices to the car
- Be wary of third-party apps
- Keep your home charger secure and updated too
"The key for owners is to adopt good cybersecurity practices — keeping software updated, being cautious about what devices they connect to, and treating their car as any other connected device," says Check Point’s Hodes.
