Electric Car Locked Remotely for Over 30 Hours During International Trip

A Chinese electric vehicle owner experienced a hơn 30-hour lockout of their car's systems after traveling internationally, rendering the vehicle largely inoperable. The owner, identified as Mr. Liu, found his vehicle's infotainment system remotely locked shortly after crossing the Horgos border from Xinjiang into Kazakhstan on July 16.

The lockout disabled key smart features, preventing access to personal identification documents and even the ability to refuel the car. Liu, who had owned the vehicle for only six months, was on a planned summer road trip through Central Asia and Europe. He had informed the dealership of his travel plans during a service appointment but claims he was not warned of potential remote lockout risks abroad.

The car manufacturer stated that vehicles purchased in China are intended for domestic use only. The company cited security concerns, aiming to prevent the cars from being resold or stolen overseas. This incident has sparked broader discussions regarding the control of smart vehicles and the extent to which manufacturers can restrict vehicle usage across international borders.