Can electric cars be hacked more easily than other cars? (2024)

FAQs

Can electric cars be hacked more easily than other cars? ›

The fact that electric cars are more likely to be internet-enabled, with more tightly interconnected onboard systems, further increases their potential vulnerability to attack.

Car Thefts on the Rise

A separate set of data published in April 2023 that looks at 2020-2022 model year vehicles from the Highway Loss Data Institute reveals all-electric models, like the Tesla Model 3, are frequently less targeted by thieves than internal combustion engined cars.

The EV ecosystem, which incorporates technologies such as wireless, cloud, and healthtech, represents a comprehensive network inherently vulnerable to cyber threats. This convergence of technology not only advances the capabilities and convenience of EVs, but also introduces a range of challenges.

Battery issues, climate control, and in-car electronics are among the biggest problems in electric vehicles.

Security experts at TU Berlin have succeeded in hacking Tesla's autopilot system. We asked Marco Siebert, Head of Embedded Security at IAV, how to prevent this. In the event of a cyberattack, hackers can take over the vehicle system control. But there are protective measures.

All things considered, yes – electric cars are more easily hacked than other cars, because they have more potential points of vulnerability and because their onboard systems are more tightly interconnected.

Generally, electric cars are as safe as, if not safer than, ICE cars, but don't just take our word for it – the Euro-NCAP, an independent safety body testing cars in Europe, confirms this. As part of its assessment, the Euro-NCAP conducts crash testing.

Exposed electrical components, wires, and high-voltage batteries may cause high-voltage shock hazards. If an emergency such as a fire occurs, contact 911 immediately. Physical damage to the vehicle or high-voltage battery may result in immediate or delayed release of toxic and/or flammable gases and fire.

Various studies have highlighted the presence of flaws that could potentially allow hackers to establish remote connections with chargers and implant malicious software. This creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate EV battery temperatures, compromise Wi-Fi networks, or even seize control of entire vehicles.

Attacks could come in through the charging network, the experts say. Cybersecurity firm Upstream (pictured above monitoring cyberattacks) said there were 295 cybersecurity incidents in the automotive and mobility space in 2023.

Why we should not go all electric cars? ›

Electric vehicles are not “zero” emissions—they create more emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles when they are produced, and they also cause emissions when they are charged, usually by burning fossil fuels.

While bigger batteries allow drivers to travel farther between charges, they also make the cars heavier, more dangerous, more expensive, and worse for the planet. The "range anxiety" that has resulted in massive batteries is another reason EVs don't work as a replacement for gas cars.

CHARGING TOO OFTEN

Charging too often. Generally speaking, don't charge every day unless you need to. Natural degradation may occur in the battery based on the number of charging cycles that are used over its lifespan. EV Battery performance and durability can deteriorate if the charger is used constantly.

There really aren't any telltale signs a vehicle has been hacked. If your vehicle is performing strangely, take it to your dealer to discuss the problem.

According to theft claims, the Tesla Model 3 with dual motors had the lowest frequency of whole vehicle thefts. The Tesla Model Y came in second place. The Tesla Model 3 (single-motor version), Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, and Nissan Leaf are all included in the list of the 20 least-stolen vehicles for 2020-2022.

With the proper electronics and software techniques, a determined hacker can intercept or block your key fob signal, infiltrate your car's software, and even remotely control your vehicle.

Whole vehicle theft claims numbered over 7,000 for passenger cars and more than 11,000 for pickups, SUVs, and vans. The data shows that Tesla vehicles are the least stolen in the US.

EV owners can simply use smart GPS car trackers like a Vyncs vehicle tracking device. In this way, an EV owner can track the overall health of their EV's battery pack. EV owners can also track how much energy their EV is consuming from the grid.

Risks Associated with Owning an Electric Vehicle

One of the drawbacks associated with driving an EV is the limited range and potential battery replacement costs. Towing can also drastically reduce the range of some electric vehicles, which may not be suitable for individuals who regularly tow heavy loads.

Generally, cars powered by electricity or gas are equally safe in a crash. However, the size of a vehicle has far-flung effects on its safety. Heavy electric cars may be less safe than their lighter counterparts, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).