UK Navy's elite unit bans Chinese EVs over spying fears

Britain's elite Special Boat Service (SBS) has prohibited Chinese-made electric vehicles from entering its headquarters in Dorset, citing national security concerns.

The decision stems from worries that sensors and cameras on these vehicles could be exploited by Beijing for intelligence gathering. The SBS, a special operations unit focused on counter-terrorism and special operations, is taking this precautionary measure at its Poole base.

Reports indicate that a soldier was previously denied entry to the base while driving a Volvo electric car, a brand owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. This incident is believed to be the first confirmed case of such a restriction.

Experts have warned that modern electric vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, which collect data on their surroundings. Under China's national security laws, the government can compel companies to disclose data, raising fears that this information could be used to map sensitive military sites or track troop movements.

Volvo Cars has stated that it handles personal data in accordance with the law and does not share information with foreign government actors. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that there is no blanket ban on electric vehicles at military bases, but base commanders have the authority to implement such restrictions based on their own security assessments.