Israel’s defense ministry has suspended the use of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), including those by BYD, over serious cybersecurity concerns.
The announcement earlier this week comes following warnings from cybersecurity experts who say sensors and software in Chinese EVs could give the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) insight into Israel’s most sensitive military routines.
Officials point to the car’s connected systems and cameras could be used for espionage as they could potentially transmit sensitive data back to the CCP or even allow remote control.
Security experts warn that devices connected to the internet, especially EVs, can serve as data-collecting platforms that foreign governments could exploit.
Chinese companies are bound by laws to share their collected data with the CCP when requested, making these vehicles dangerous for commercial use.
Experts warn that Israel may need to consider recalling all Chinese-linked EVs to protect national security.
Israel has already barred Chinese-made cars from military bases for similar reasons.
Data from the Israel Imported Vehicles Association shows Chinese EVs accounted for more than a third of all new car registrations in the third quarter of 2025.
Since late 2025, the military has begun phasing out the use of Chinese EVs by senior Israeli officers.
Reports say that the Israeli military has recalled roughly 700 Chinese-made EVs since 2022.
