[ad_1]
Aiming to protect national security, U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin is set to present legislation to Congress that would restrict or outright prohibit the sale of connected vehicles produced by Chinese firms if they are found to be a security threat.
This bill emerges amidst escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, following the Biden administration’s move to increase import duties on Chinese electric vehicles by fourfold, up to 100%.
Though Chinese EV makers have not yet established a strong presence in the U.S. market as they have in Europe, this proposed bill is designed to prevent them from establishing a foothold by launching affordable, intelligent cars in America.
As a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official, Slotkin has consistently alerted Congress to the dangers posed by vehicles produced in China. During a House floor speech earlier in the month, she detailed how Chinese state subsidies aim to empower their automotive sector to distribute advanced, cost-effective EVs outfitted with data-collection technology, such as lidar, radar, and cameras.
Slotkin remarks that accepting these vehicles in the American market grants the Chinese government a mine of valuable intel, including the ability to gather crucial details on U.S. military locations, infrastructure, and even track the movements of U.S. leaders.
Important measures that Slotkin supports, such as prohibiting Chinese connected vehicles on military bases and barring the Department of Defense from obtaining Chinese-made lidar, were recently included in the annual U.S. defense spending legislation.
Named the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act, Slotkin’s proposed bill would extend its jurisdiction to not just EVs but autonomous vehicles (AVs) as well. Several AV companies with roots in China, such as WeRide and Pony.ai, currently have active testing permits in places like California. Additionally, Alphabet’s Waymo has partnered with China-based startup Zeekr for the production of purpose-built robotaxis.
Requests for comments on this bill made to Waymo by TechCrunch did not receive a response.
Geely Automotive of China owns brands like Volvo and Polestar, which have a U.S. market presence. Although Volvo manufactures most of its vehicles in Sweden, a new production facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina will handle the next Volvo models intended for North America.
This bill wouldn’t exempt vehicles produced domestically or in allied countries from review. It would grant the Department of Commerce the authority to assess any transaction involving connected cars “designed, built, or supplied” by entities connected to China or other concerning nations.
Additionally, the bill proposes to grant legal authority to federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce, to implement and maintain national security measures, preventing future administrations from overturning such protections. This is in direct reference to past actions, such as President Trump’s executive order regarding TikTok, which has since seen Biden push for a prohibition unless ByteDance sells the app.
At a time when Beijing is easing cross-border data restrictions, firms such as Tesla aim to benefit by transmitting connected car data back to the U.S. to improve their ‘full self-driving’ technology. It comes as the Commerce Department is poised to issue a ruling later this year regarding the security risks of such vehicles, following a February government inquiry into the matter.
Slotkin intends to table the bill post June 3, following Congress’ return from the Memorial Day recess.
[ad_2]
FAQs about the Proposed Ban on Chinese-Connected Vehicles
- What is the purpose of the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act?
The act seeks to protect U.S. national security by giving the Department of Commerce the authority to restrict or prohibit the sale and importation of connected vehicles produced by Chinese companies, should they pose a security threat. - What prompted Representative Elissia Slotkin to introduce this bill?
As a former CIA analyst, Slotkin is concerned about the potential for Chinese-connected vehicles to collect and send intelligence back to China, which would pose a threat to U.S. security. - Could this bill affect American companies working with Chinese technology?
Yes, the bill could impact American companies if they are using connected vehicle technology that has been “designed, built, or supplied” by organizations with ties to China or other countries of concern. - Has the bill been passed into law?
No, as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, the bill has not yet been passed into law. It is planned to be introduced to Congress after June 3. - Will the bill also cover autonomous vehicles?
Yes, the bill is set to cover both electric and autonomous vehicles (AVs) with connections to Chinese companies.
