Chinese Electric Cars: Cheap, But Are They Safe?
The Chinese electric car market offers incredibly low prices that Western buyers can only dream of seeing. For example, the Mazda EZ-6 sedan or the Toyota bZ5 crossover cost less than $25,000 in China. However, along with the benefit come safety concerns – experts warn that “smart” Chinese EVs could become a tool for espionage.
Some cybersecurity experts express concern that such cars could collect data about drivers: routes, conversations, and other confidential information. There are even suggestions that certain models could be taken under remote control, creating risks for the security of cities. Because of this, some countries, including the US and the UK, are taking measures to restrict the import of Chinese EVs.
Why Are the Prices So Low?
A fierce price war is ongoing in China’s domestic market, making electric cars very affordable. For example, the Mazda EZ-6, a competitor to the BMW 3-Series, starts at $22,500, and some models even cost less than $20,000. Official Beijing denies the espionage allegations, calling them unfounded.
Despite all the risks, many buyers are willing to ignore the warnings for the sake of advantageous prices. However, the question of trust in the technologies remains open, especially for those who value privacy and security.
The international reaction to Chinese EVs shows that technological progress is often accompanied by new challenges. At the same time, the affordability of electric cars could become a key factor for the mass transition to “green” transport, if a balance between price and safety can be found.