There’s a ‘borrowed revolution’ on our roads. And India has no control over it
The post There’s a ‘borrowed revolution’ on our roads. And India has no control over it appeared first on The Ken .
India's electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a surge, with over 65% of three-wheelers now being electric, and passenger EVs comprising 8% of the total market in recent months. However, the country's EV revolution is heavily influenced by China, as around 80% of heavy-duty battery-management systems (BMS) – the "brain" of EVs – are imported, primarily from China.
Cybersecurity concerns have arisen due to hackers exploiting Chinese BMS apps, like Bat BMS and Epoch, to remotely disable e-rickshaws' batteries via Bluetooth. In response, the Indian government has banned these apps and is considering new rules to enhance cybersecurity management and safety during software updates. British defense firms have also raised alarms about EV vehicles potentially acting as spyware, equipped with cameras, microphones, and cloud links.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many Chinese automakers are state-backed and have significant stakes in global brands such as Aston Martin, Benelli, MG Motor, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. As a result, India now faces a trilemma: follow the US' blanket ban on Chinese-backed firms, pursue Japan's hybrid approach, or accept an uneasy collaboration with China in the EV market.
The alternative is building India's own highway in an EV market dominated by Chinese technology, leaving the country with limited options.
Written by urgent.news from The Ken's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
