US proposes ban on Chinese car tech

US President Joe Biden has proposed a ban on Chinese and Russian technology in the advanced driver assistance systems for modern cars.

The U.S. has proposed a ban on Chinese car technology, ramping up tension between the two nations.

The Biden administration is preparing to ban Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles, trucks and buses on American roads, citing national security concerns.

Chinese companies such as BYD represent the fastest-growing in the automotive landscape. Photo: Supplied

A proposal by America’s Department of Commerce would prohibit automakers from using key communication and automated driving systems that have been made in China or Russia.

This move comes after Biden’s earlier concerns about the potential for Chinese vehicles and their connected technologies to collect sensitive data from drivers, infrastructure and vehicles.

“China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security, he said.

“I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.”

The US is concerned by the threat posed by connected cars. Photo: Thomas Wielecki

The government is worried by foreign manipulation of vehicles via their internet and navigation systems, which could present a serious threat to national security.

Tech publications proved years ago that it is possible to hack a car to instigate a crash.

More recently, Tesla has been accused of remotely disabling cars exported to conflict zones.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the plans were “targeted, proactive” steps to protect the United States.

“Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies connected to the internet,” she said.

“You can imagine the most catastrophic outcome theoretically if you had a couple million cars on the road and the software were disabled.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the ban is unfairly targeting Chinese firms.

“China opposes the US’s broadening of the concept of national security and the discriminatory actions taken against Chinese companies and products,” she said.

The prohibitions on software would be implemented with the 2027 model year, while hardware bans would apply to vehicles manufactured starting in January 2029, or the 2030 model year.

The proposal will now enter a comment period which will allow 30 days for the public to comment.

The ban follows steep tariff hikes on Chinese imports, electric vehicles (EVs) and EV batteries.

Government and military agencies in the US and Australia are already banned from using some Chinese tech firms, such as Huawei, for official duties.

- with David McCowen