Electric vehicles are gaining momentum, with major auto companies planning to phase out gas-powered vehicles in favor of EVs by 2040. Sales in Europe and China have been on the rise, while even in the U.S. sales nearly doubled last year. However, concerns about vehicle range and the lack of fast-charging infrastructure continue to persist. Additionally, cybersecurity risks from EVs are a growing concern, as they can serve as access points for hackers to infiltrate vehicle computer systems. The lack of universal standards for manufacturing and cybersecurity frameworks for EV chargers makes them vulnerable to attacks. Research is being conducted to identify vulnerabilities and develop defense strategies. Anomaly detection using machine learning is being explored to detect and respond to attacks in real time. The research has inspired the pursuit of a career focusing on the cybersecurity of electric vehicles.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto companies phasing out gas vehicles | Shift from gas-powered to electric | Increase in EV sales and adoption | Environmental concerns and government regulations |
| Anxiety about vehicle range | Need for longer-lasting batteries | Improved battery technology | Consumer demand for longer driving ranges |
| Lack of fast-charging infrastructure | Increase in fast-charging stations | Widespread availability of chargers | Government investment in charging infrastructure |
| Cybersecurity risks from EVs | Development of secure EV charging | Enhanced cybersecurity measures | Potential for cyberattacks and data breaches |
| Vulnerabilities in charging systems | Improved security of charging stations | More secure charging systems | Increased awareness and research on vulnerabilities |
| Real-time attack detection | Improved defense strategies | Enhanced cybersecurity measures | Need for proactive response to cyberattacks |
| Focus on cybersecurity of EVs | Increased research and development | Advancements in EV cybersecurity | Growing importance of EV cybersecurity |