U.S. Commerce Department Issues Final Rule Regulating Vehicles and Robotics for National Security Concerns

Biden Admin’s Final Rule Banning Chinese Connected Cars Also Bars Robotaxi Testing on US Roads

The United States Department of Commerce has announced a final rule prohibiting the sale and importation of vehicles connected to China and Russia, citing national security concerns. The ruling also extends its reach to robotaxi testing on U.S. roads.

China’s attempts to dominate the automotive industry have raised eyebrows, with National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard stating that “connected vehicles with software and hardware systems linked to foreign adversaries could expose the American people to risks of misuse of their sensitive data or interference by malicious actors.” This move aims to ensure a more secure American auto industry.

The final rule is set to take effect in two stages, with software bans scheduled for the 2027 model year and hardware prohibitions in 2029. An interesting aspect is that it excludes Chinese software developed prior to these dates, provided that a Chinese firm does not have access to said software.

A notable exemption applies to vehicles over 10,000 pounds in weight, allowing China’s BYD company to continue assembling electric buses in California. Several Chinese autonomous vehicle companies with active permits to test in California will be impacted by the decision.

Source: techcrunch.com