A former top adviser to US President Joe Biden has urged Australia to consider banning Chinese-made electric vehicles, warning they could pose a major espionage and cyber security risk as Chinese brands rapidly dominate the local EV market.

Thomas Wright, who served as senior director for strategic planning at the US National Security Council between 2022 and 2025, said internet-connected vehicles manufactured in China could potentially be used to collect sensitive data, infiltrate critical infrastructure, or even disrupt systems during a conflict.

Speaking in Australia this week, Wright pointed to the ‘Volt Typhoon’ cyber campaign – a suspected Chinese state-backed operation accused by US officials of penetrating power, telecommunications and transport networks – as evidence Beijing had already demonstrated the capability to target infrastructure.

“These connected vehicles are basically sophisticated data collectors,” Wright said, warning Australia was making long-term infrastructure decisions that could shape future cyber vulnerabilities.

The comments come as Chinese automakers achieve unprecedented success in Australia.

BYD became Australia’s second best-selling car brand in April, delivering 7702 vehicles and becoming the first Chinese manufacturer to reach the podium in local monthly sales rankings.

Chinese-built vehicles now account for more than 31% of all new car deliveries in Australia, according to the latest VFACTS data, with EVs reaching a record 16.4% market share.

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Australia has so far resisted moves by the US to restrict Chinese EV imports. The States has effectively blocked Chinese-made connected vehicles through a mix of tariffs and national security measures targeting Chinese software and hardware.

Despite security concerns, analysts say China’s dominance in EV manufacturing is accelerating globally, driven by rapid innovation cycles, battery leadership and aggressive pricing.

Four in five EVs sold in Australia are now manufactured in China, including Teslas built at the company’s Shanghai factory (pictured above).

Chinese automakers, including BYD, have repeatedly denied their vehicles could be used for espionage and say they comply with local privacy laws.