EV Mobility, Inclusive Driving & Cybersecurity Regulations

The first cybersecurity regulation, The Budapest Convention, was adopted in 2001, but it did not come into force until 2004. This international treaty sought to address rising cybercrime, by supporting global cooperation to investigate threats and offences. 

Since then, cybersecurity has evolved to become an ever-present threat across each industry, including electric vehicles, to a revenue of US$183.10bn. 

Balancing electric vehicle mobility and cybersecurity 

In July 2024, the UNECE Cyber Security (UN R 155) and UNECE Software Updating (UN R 156) regulations will become mandatory, which aim to uphold vehicle safety in the automotive industry. Specifically, this will mitigate the risks of cyberattacks and unauthorised access to connected electric vehicles.

However, there are up to 1.3bn disabled individuals worldwide and there are concerns that the regulations may impact their driving independence. 

The European Mobility Group (EMG) and the Association of Vehicle Adaptation Manufacturers (AVAM) are working together to write guidelines for electric car manufacturers, ensuring that their vehicles are made so that anyone can use them. 

Embracing inclusivity in the era of autonomous driving

Matthew Walker, Managing Director at ABC Mobility Group, owner of Mobility in Motion, spoke exclusively with EV magazine to discuss this further. 

“We’re approaching a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobility. The new UNECE Cyber Security (UN R 155) and UNECE Software Updating (UN R 156) regulations, which become mandatory in July 2024, highlight pressing challenges the industry faces. However, these regulations are just a small piece of a complex puzzle,” he said.

“The reality is that 1.3bn disabled drivers worldwide are at risk of having their independence compromised by the ongoing shift towards an autonomous future. Right now, there is a lack of information exchange between car manufacturers - or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) - and adaptation manufacturers. As a result, the adaptation industry often only discovers new technology or barriers to integration when receiving a vehicle, leading to reactive measures needing to be taken.”

Matthew argues that the complexity of this underscores the ethical responsibility to find solutions swiftly. 

“Efforts to navigate challenges are underway through industry representation in Brussels, primarily through the European Mobility Group (EMG) and the Association of Vehicle Adaptation Manufacturers (AVAM). However, the complexity of the matter and the number of bodies involved dilute the industry's voice, hindering mobility and freedom for those who need it most,” he says.

In navigating these obstacles, Matthew says the EV sector should prioritise inclusivity and accessibility, recognising that every individual deserves the freedom of mobility. 

“Proactive engagement and collaboration are essential as we strive to create a future where mobility knows no bounds,” he says.
 

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