Can EVs be hacked? Yes, they can. Although it’s not only EVs that are vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, even internal combustion engine vehicles with electronic consoles and digital key fobs are prone to hacking too.

Thankfully, hacking EVs is a rare occurrence, but it’s important to be aware of what electric vehicle hacks can take place, and in what ways they can affect the car and its performance.

In what ways can electric cars be hacked?

EVs have complex system software that take care of many aspects of driving. If for whatever reason hackers gain access to the security codes your EV’s system, they could gain access to your personal information and can control of some functions remotely. The good news is complex firewall systems will prevent the car from being taken over totally.

EV hacking can affect functionalities like driver-assistance or the infotainment system. If your car computer has passwords or banking information on, that would be susceptible to hacking as well.

What Tesla hacks have occurred?

Given that Tesla is pioneering its fully autonomous Autopilot feature, Tesla cars have been targeted by hacker researchers to see what potentialities can occur. Researchers at Israel’s Ben Gurion University managed to trick Tesla’s Autopilot mode by flashing up projected road sign images by drone causing the car to change direction.

Meanwhile, a young German information technology security specialist hacked 25 Tesla vehicles without the knowledge of their owners. He was able to remotely unlock doors and windows, tune into the car stereo, flash car headlights and even start the Teslas’ engines.

What are the signs that my EV has been hacked?

If your EVs performance is not up to par and you suspect that it may have been hacked, keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs.

Rapid battery depletion

If your battery is mysteriously draining quicker than it should, it may be due to an incidence of hacking.

Poor braking and accelerating response

If your EV is slow to respond to pedal controls, it could also be the result of hacking.

Missing items from inside your car or suspicious account activity

Hackers are often motivated by theft. This could mean gaining physical access to your car by hacking the key system or your banking passwords and data.

Summary

  • It is possible for EVs to be hacked, but it is rare and researchers have undertaken it to show what is possible, so electric car manufacturers can fix any system bugs.
  • If the EV’s software is hacked it could expose any private banking or personal info you have stored on your car’s computer, as well as make some functions available to hackers.
  • Researchers have been able to hack Tesla’s Autopilot feature using projected images, and remotely taking over functions like the stereo, lights, and windows.
  • Signs your EV may have been hacked include a rapidly depleting battery, poor pedal response and physical or data theft.

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Sources

https://thenextweb.com/news/teslas-autopilot-dangerously-fooled-by-drone-mounted-projectors