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China Could Shut Down Buses in Oslo. Test Reveals Major Security Risks
Electric bus tests revealed a national security threat. Materiały prasowe Ruter, zdjęcie poglądowe
Chinese electric buses can be stopped or immobilized remotely by the manufacturer, according to tests conducted by Ruter. The study focused on vehicles from Yutong, which make up a significant part of the electric bus fleet in Oslo and surrounding areas.
Ruter secretly transported two buses to Sandvika, where detailed security tests were carried out. One vehicle was from a European manufacturer, the other from the Chinese company Yutong.
The buses were dismantled and examined in an isolated room that blocked all external signals. Tests revealed that the Chinese bus had a module with a SIM card, allowing the manufacturer direct digital access to the vehicle. Experts concluded that, in theory, the manufacturer could stop or immobilize the bus remotely.
The buses were dismantled and examined in an isolated room that blocked all external signals. Tests revealed that the Chinese bus had a module with a SIM card, allowing the manufacturer direct digital access to the vehicle. Experts concluded that, in theory, the manufacturer could stop or immobilize the bus remotely.
Camera Systems and Internet Connections
It was also checked whether the cameras on the buses are connected to the internet and could transmit footage outside Norway. The results showed that the camera systems do not have this capability and do not send data to the manufacturer. Ruter reported that the internet connection in the buses can be cut off by removing the SIM card, which allows for full local control over the vehicle.
According to Ruter's CEO, Bernt Reitan Jenssen, the tests allowed them to move "from concerns to concrete knowledge" and will help build security systems to protect against unauthorized access. The Chinese manufacturer Yutong did not comment on the findings.
According to Ruter's CEO, Bernt Reitan Jenssen, the tests allowed them to move "from concerns to concrete knowledge" and will help build security systems to protect against unauthorized access. The Chinese manufacturer Yutong did not comment on the findings.
The buses were tested in a controlled environment where all external signals were completely blocked.Photo: Eilif Swensen / Ruter
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Ruter currently operates over 300 Chinese electric buses. In case of a crisis, they are intended to serve as evacuation vehicles. Similar buses also run in other regions of Norway, including Vestland county, where 140 Yutong vehicles have been deployed.
The chairman of the Transport Committee, Bård Hoksrud from the Progress Party (FrP), has called for a halt to the purchase of Chinese buses, citing national security risks. According to 'Teknisk Ukeblad,' 1,268 Chinese buses have already been ordered for Norway and are on their way.
The chairman of the Transport Committee, Bård Hoksrud from the Progress Party (FrP), has called for a halt to the purchase of Chinese buses, citing national security risks. According to 'Teknisk Ukeblad,' 1,268 Chinese buses have already been ordered for Norway and are on their way.
After the test results were revealed, Ruter announced the development of new procedures for digital security. The company wants to cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and Communications to create requirements for future public procurement. Technical solutions are also planned to prevent manufacturers from remotely accessing bus systems.
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