Defence companies have been warned not to plug mobile phones into Chinese EVs amid spying fears. British firms working in defence and intelligence fields have instructed their staff against connecting their mobile phones either via Bluetooth or charging cable into Chinese-made cars.

Executives at two defence companies told The i newspaper that they were concerned about spying by Beijing, which dominates the EV market, and as a result, they were taking a “belt-and-braces” approach, says the Daily Telegraph.

It comes after the Ministry of Defence banned EVs from being parked on military bases and asked staff to park at least two miles away from select buildings because of concerns that the cars could be used to facilitate spying.

A recent report by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) found that electric cars posed a potential threat to national security as they were vulnerable to Chinese spying.

EVs are due to be introduced for all ministers and officials by the end of 2027 and it is feared that even those vehicles made in the West with Chinese parts are susceptible. All electric vehicles are deemed to be “connected”, meaning that data and information are sent out beyond the vehicle, sometimes over the internet.

However, there is no blanket ban on Chinese-made electric vehicles being bought for the government fleet, despite spying concerns.

(Pic: Konstantin Grigolev)