European Union lawmakers request an official cybersecurity risk assessment of BYD electric vehicles over data privacy and connected car tech concerns.
EU lawmakers have formally requested that the European Commission conduct a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment regarding electric vehicles produced by Chinese manufacturer BYD. A group of 14 Members of the European Parliament raised concerns that connected technologies within these vehicles could gather sensitive operational data.
According to a report by Reuters, the cross-party group of European lawmakers expressed concern that onboard cameras, sensors, and telemetry systems in BYD models could capture restricted information. The parliamentarians recommended measures including the exclusion of BYD from public sector procurement contracts and restricting access for these vehicles near sensitive government and military infrastructure. French MEP François Kalfon also submitted a parallel query to national authorities urging protective measures against connected vehicle data transfers.
In response to the claims, BYD Europe stated to Reuters that personal data collected by its vehicles in the region remains under user control and is not shared with third parties or entities in China.
Global sales performance and operational footprint
The security debate arrives during a period of rapid international expansion for Shenzhen-based BYD. The automotive giant reported strong sales momentum, delivering over 3.62 million vehicles globally in the first ten months of the year. Overseas sales grew significantly, exceeding 1.5 million units during the same period and representing over 41% of the Chinese automotive group’s total volume.
BYD has established a broad production footprint across multiple continents to support its commercial growth. The manufacturer maintains active assembly operations in Camaçari, Brazil, while progressing with construction of its first European passenger car manufacturing plant in Hungary. The European Commission now faces a multi-week period to formally evaluate the security requests raised by the parliamentary group.
BYD’s steadily growing presence in the South African market
