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Cybersecurity and national security experts have explored how electric vehicle batteries and connected technology could be weaponized to cause disruption or mass casualties in a terrorist attack or by a disgruntled individual. The primary concern is the potential for EV batteries to be used as components in a novel, large-scale attack using existing technology. Vulnerabilities in battery management systems that control critical functions like thermal regulation and charge rates could be compromised to trigger events like thermal runaway or destabilize local power grids.
Why it matters
As electric vehicles become more widespread, the scale and concentration of these potential vulnerabilities grows. Policymakers pushing aggressive EV adoption mandates have not adequately addressed the cybersecurity infrastructure required to protect interconnected vehicle networks, leaving consumers exposed to risks they don’t fully understand.
The details
Cybersecurity and national security experts have explored how EV batteries and connected technology could be weaponized. EV batteries possess inherent hazards like flammable electrolytes and potential for explosions/fires under abuse that could be exploited. The massive lithium-ion battery fire at Moss Landing in 2025 exposed the unknown risks of battery plant explosions. Compromise of battery management systems could trigger thermal runaway events, disable vehicles remotely, or manipulate charging to destabilize power grids. The supply chain dependence on foreign nations for critical materials also creates strategic vulnerabilities.
- The Moss Landing battery fire occurred in January 2025.
- Matson and Alaska Marine Lines have recently made changes to their shipping policies in response to increasing fire risks associated with transporting EVs.
The players
Dr. Michael Hogan
Physicist and chairman of the Board of the California Arts and Sciences Institute, who discussed the consequences of battery plant explosions in an Epoch Times interview.
Matson
A shipping company that has suspended new bookings or stopped accepting EVs for transport aboard its vessels due to fire risks.
Alaska Marine Lines
A shipping company that has made changes to its policies in response to increasing fire risks associated with transporting EVs.
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What’s next
Policymakers need to address the cybersecurity and supply chain challenges associated with widespread EV adoption before mandating further expansion of the technology.
The takeaway
The cybersecurity and national security risks posed by electric vehicles must be addressed with the same level of investment and attention as the environmental and technological benefits. Failing to do so leaves consumers and critical infrastructure exposed to potentially catastrophic vulnerabilities.
