I’m an EV owner – here’s why they pose a risk to drivers and can be easy to steal
AN EV owner has revealed why drivers are at risk as a key feature makes them easy to steal.
The motorist, named as TB, pointed to fancy tech which could leave cars more vulnerable to criminals.
In a letter to The Telegraph, they explained their fear that key fob signal interception could be used to pinch their £43,000 motor.
TB asked: “Bearing in mind the increasing use of key-fob signal interception to steal cars, would I have better security if I used the Hyundai app on my smartphone instead of my fob to lock and unlock my Hyundai Ioniq 5?”
Thieves have been known to use devices called relay interceptors to aid their foul crimes.
The gadgets effectively copy the signal transmitted from your electronic key fob and play it back.
This tricks the computer in your car into believing the signal is legitimately coming from the key and, consequently, unlocking the door.
If your car also has keyless ignition, as many models do, this is even more dangerous as the signal can be used to start up the engine, allowing the thief to get away in a matter of seconds.
To combat this, manufacturers are increasingly moving to using apps as a substitute for electronic fobs.
However, this opens drivers up to different forms of theft, with hackers given ever more power if they can access your smartphone.
If your phone is hacked or stolen, those responsible may be able to access your passwords and the car’s Vehicle Identification Number.
These can then be used to set the app up on the hacker’s own phone, effectively causing the same issue as relay attacks.
If you are particularly concerned about theft, many brands will offer you the option to buy an old-fashioned physical key fob for a fee.
And the Government is reportedly set to introduce a crackdown on relay theft, including prosecuting anyone caught with a relay device without a lawful reason to own one.
It comes after a motors expert explained why EVs may be more dangerous than petrol cars in case of fire.
Meanwhile, a cleaning whizz revealed some cheap hacks to keep your motor clean and avoid being slapped with a huge fine.
Hyundai has been contacted for comment.