The Biden administration recently announced a comprehensive plan to ban Chinese software and certain hardware from internet-connected cars in the US, citing national security concerns and potential threats to supply chains. This mirrors a previous ban on telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE, which was supported by evidence of surveillance involvement. The new rules extend beyond software to cover hardware components like Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite connections, cameras, sensors, and onboard computers. The ban is set to take effect in model year 2027 for software and model year 2030 for hardware, also including restrictions on Russian auto software. Despite claims that this move aims at improving national security, it effectively blocks all Chinese auto imports due to the integrated software and hardware connectivity. Concerns about cyber vulnerabilities and malicious intent from countries of concern like China have led government officials to reinforce the ban as a strategic security measure, with possible broader actions anticipated in the future. The BYD Seagull, for example, priced at around $10,000, remains an affordable alternative to American EVs despite the tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.
