Can Your EV Be Hacked? What UK Owners Should Know
Everyday life in the UK is now shaped by digital services. From banking and shopping to fitness and entertainment, everything seems to be moving online.
Even healthcare and education are now part of the shift. Driving is no exception. Electric vehicles are not just about clean energy—they’re fully connected machines. With built-in software, mobile apps, and online diagnostics, EVs are as digital as any modern gadget. That’s why concerns about hacking are starting to sound less like fiction and more like a real issue.
The Growing Digital World
The rise of connected living has pushed many users to seek digital alternatives in other areas too. Even in conventionally physical industries like shopping or going to the movies, digital alternatives are taking over. Even in casino gaming, online entertainment habits have now changed. For example, many people now choose the best UK non GamStop casinos 2025 has to offer instead of visiting physical venues. These platforms offer faster withdrawals, no self-exclusion limits, and 24/7 access.
They’re private, easy to join, and cater to players who want more control. Like electric vehicles moving away from outmoded petrol and diesel models, they represent a shift away from the old ways—faster, smarter, and online-first.
When it comes to EVs, the shift to digital brings convenience—but also new risks. These vehicles collect data, connect to networks, and are managed through apps. That means they’re potentially open to the same threats that affect any internet-connected system. Hacking, while rare, is a concern worth understanding. Whether it’s remote control, location tracking, or even draining a battery remotely, cyber threats are evolving.
What Are the Real Risks?
Electric vehicles rely heavily on software. From navigation and battery management to air conditioning and braking, most functions are controlled by code. This makes them powerful—but also vulnerable. If that code is flawed or poorly protected, hackers could take advantage.
Some of the most worrying attacks are theoretical, but others have already happened. In controlled tests, researchers have shown they can remotely take over a car’s steering or braking system. These tests are usually carried out in labs or on test tracks, but they prove a real point: once a car is online, it’s exposed.
Most EVs today come with some level of internet connectivity. They sync with your phone, send data to the manufacturer, and connect to charging networks. Every connection is a potential entry point. Just as laptops or phones can be infected with malware, so can cars—though the method is different.
There’s also the issue of personal data. EVs often know your driving habits, routes, and even your home location. If hacked, that data could be exposed or sold. For criminals, that kind of information is useful. It could be used for fraud, stalking, or blackmail. The threat is not just technical—it’s personal.
Are EV Brands Doing Enough?
Carmakers know the risks. Many have invested in cybersecurity teams and regular software updates. Brands like Tesla and BMW release patches to fix bugs and close security holes. Over-the-air updates, similar to those on smartphones, help reduce exposure. These updates can be sent automatically and installed without a visit to the dealer.
That said, not all manufacturers are equal. Some offer better protection than others. Smaller brands or newer models may not have the same level of defence. Owners are often unaware of what protections exist—or don’t. Unlike with antivirus software on a computer, there’s no clear way for users to check how secure their EV really is.
Some car companies even run bug bounty programs. These invite ethical hackers to test the system and report any flaws in exchange for payment. This model works well in tech, and it’s starting to catch on in the car industry too. Still, these steps are voluntary. There’s no law in the UK requiring EV makers to meet a cybersecurity standard.
That might change soon. Government regulators are starting to focus on connected cars. New proposals aim to set rules for how data is stored and protected. Until then, owners have to rely on the manufacturer’s word and hope the system is secure.
What Can Owners Do to Stay Safe?
Drivers can take a few steps to protect themselves. First, always install updates. Just like with a phone or laptop, running outdated software can leave you exposed. If your car has automatic updates, make sure that feature is turned on.
Second, be careful with apps. Many EVs contain high-end infotainment options that can be controlled through smartphone apps. These can start the engine, unlock the doors, or schedule charging. Use a strong password and two-factor authentication if available. Never share access to your car’s app with anyone you don’t trust completely.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also possible risks. If you connect your car to public networks or pair it with random devices, you could be opening a door without realising. Stick to private, secure networks. Don’t use public charging stations with unknown software or features unless you’re sure they’re trustworthy.
It’s also worth being cautious with third-party accessories. Some gadgets claim to improve range or performance, but they often require access to your car’s system. If those devices are poorly made or intentionally harmful, they could expose your vehicle to attack.
Will Hacking Become More Common?
As EVs become more common, so will attempts to break into them. Criminals follow trends too and always update their methods to keep with the times. The more valuable the system, the more tempting it becomes. Just as we’ve seen with mobile phones and home security systems, connected cars are likely to face more attacks over time.
That doesn’t mean every driver should panic. Most hacks today are rare and require skill, time, and specific conditions. Still, the risk will grow unless the industry keeps up. Security needs to be part of car design, not an afterthought. That means investing in protection before the problem becomes widespread.
There’s also a role for the government. Better regulation could push manufacturers to meet minimum safety standards. Right now, drivers are expected to trust the brand. Stronger oversight could help reassure users that their car isn’t an easy target.
Finally, public awareness must grow. Most people don’t think of their car as a computer. They need to. Education around cybersecurity should be part of the buying process, especially as more people shift to EVs in the coming years.
Conclusion
EVs are the future of driving in the UK, but they’re not immune to modern threats. With everything going digital, from how we shop to how we drive, cybersecurity matters more than ever. Electric vehicle owners need to understand the risks, take precautions, and stay informed. Hacking may never be common—but it’s already possible. Knowing that could make all the difference.
