+34
New-vehicle buyers in Australia aren't being scared off electric cars by recent controversy surrounding hacking and data security in connected cars.
New-vehicle buyers in Australia aren't being scared off electric cars by recent controversy surrounding hacking and data security in connected cars. The Electric Vehicle Council says Australian new-vehicle buyers aren’t put off by cybersecurity concerns surrounding connected vehicles, and that electric cars have been unfairly targeted by recent reporting on the matter, which has led to calls for government action on in-car security and hacking vulnerabilities.
, aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on September 21, raised concerns regarding connected cars being ‘hacked’, allowing remote access to certain vehicle functions. Vehicle hacking pre-dates the recent rise in EVs and connected cars, with researchers from the University of Washington and UC San Diego in the US having demonstrated vehicle security vulnerabilities as far back as 2010.
Yet EVs and ‘software-defined vehicles’ are typically connected to the internet, potentially increasing their vulnerabilities, with technology such as over-the-air software updates becoming increasingly common as more connected cars hit Australian roads. The ABC report also questioned the storage, sharing and use of large swathes of personal data collected by connected vehicles, such as location, camera footage, and even the potential to access audio from in-car phone calls.
“Australian car buyers are asking legitimate questions about connected vehicle technologies and deserve clear answers,” said AADA CEO James Voortman in a statement. “Those questions are not limited to privacy and data collection. Customers also want to understand how these technologies operate, what protections are in place and how manufacturers and regulators are managing potential cybersecurity and safety risks.
”Speaking to CarExpert as it issued its ‘State of Electric Vehicles 2026’ report, the EVC said these issues have not significantly impacted EV sales or heightened customer concerns following the high-profile report.
“We have not heard from our OEMs of that response,” said the EVC’s head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur.plug-in hybrid ute featured heavily in the Four Corners report. Other members include BMW, Chery, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Two other vehicles noted in the ABC report were models from Chinese automakers Xpeng and Leapmotor.
Stellantis holds a circa-21 per cent stake in Leapmotor and a controlling interest in the Leapmotor International joint venture that distributes its vehicles outside China. Stellantis also owns brands including Alfa Romeo, Ram, and Jeep. The EVC suggested that electric cars had been unduly targeted, with a broader approach needed to address security concerns.
“This narrow focus on EVs is not productive and, really, what we need to be doing is considering all connected vehicles as one, and then looking at it in terms of risk analysis,” Mr Gaur told CarExpert. “Any instrument that is connected these days needs to be considered as a connected vehicle or a connected instrument, which has security issues that should be considered.
”saying it would investigate the program’s claims and offer a detailed response to its findings, but it is yet to do so. It also called for Australian Government action on the protection of personal data.
“BYD Australia notes concerns raised about connected vehicle data security in Australia. Personal data generated by BYD vehicles in Australia is stored on Australian servers,” BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins said in a statement issued to CarExpert. The automaker has previously told CarExpert it uses Telstra servers to temporarily store data in Australia.
“We have publicly called for purpose-built connected-vehicle legislation in Australia – a clear, enforceable standard applying equally to every brand in this market,” Mr Collins said. The EVC’s 2026 report adds: “Australia is by no means alone in navigating the challenge of increasingly connected vehicles and the EVC recommends a holistic policy response from government that aligns with international best practice.
” EV sales increased dramatically in several parts of the world in 2026, including in Australia, where battery-electric vehicles reached a record market share of
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia Calls for New Powers to Target Hate Preachers Amid Rising Extremist RhetoricA coalition of Australian politicians and Jewish community leaders urge stronger legal powers to curb extremist religious leaders, following a Melbourne preacher's call for violence against Christians and Jews.
Read more »
Australia's Captain Sophie Molineux Faces Fitness Test Ahead of Series Against Bangladesh and New ZealandSophie Molineux has been named to lead Australia's white‑ball squad despite a hip injury, with selectors eyeing her fitness for the opening ODI in Brisbane on October 9 and the subsequent T20 series against New Zealand. The Australian team also contends with injuries to fast bowler Darcie Brown and quick Lucy Hamilton, while the leadership structure remains in play if Molineux is ruled out.
Read more »
2027 LDV T60: Big upgrade, big price cuts for budget Chinese uteLDV’s cut-price dual-cab 4x4 pickup brings a new look, a new dash and a new engine – for less money.
Read more »
Online safety boss flags exit, notes power imbalance between big tech and regulator“With this new digital duty of care and this new era coming about, I think it will be great to have new leadership,” the eSafety Comissioner says.
Read more »