mickthemaverick wrote: 31 Aug 2026, 20:31
Just imagine 35% + of our cars being Chinese EVs updated over the air by their Chinese makers, only need to throw a switch to disable a third of our transport!!
Only problem is for last 20+ years all component parts (electronically at least) are Chinese, even Tesla admit the Chinese Model 2 are better made quality wise than the early USA made.
OTA is mixed bag if it avoids having to wait months to see a stealer I can see the potential benefits, but yes its bit scary having China with finger on the button but I think we are way past that point now tbh
I get the concern but its way too late for past 20+ years all components (electronically at least) are Chinese made.
Even the great MAGA tesla admit the China Model 3 are built to a greater standard than the US made version made earlier.
OTA mixed bag tbh if it avoids having to wait months to see a dealer then great, also you have the choice to accept or roll back updates just like on a pc or tablet
Yes there is a risk but OTA are now used in military aircraft (f-35 for example) and that has met all the strict requirements of air worthiness.
mickthemaverick wrote: 31 Aug 2026, 20:31
Just imagine 35% + of our cars being Chinese EVs updated over the air by their Chinese makers, only need to throw a switch to disable a third of our transport!!
And all those Teslas! Not as many but potentially chaos-causing. Imagine an OTA update that says "next time the car is stationary with a right indicator on (in UK, left in most places) switch off and lock" - most city junctions clogged up in an hour or so and emergency services fully engaged in smashing wondows and hauling people out of their cars. Or one with traffic sign recognition - "next time you see a stop sign, stop and don't restart".
Now - who do you trust the least? China or Musk?
But back to the original topic. Maybe I'm getting old and grumpy but on balance I favour proper regulation and enforcement of emissions, noise etc. and for electric bikes and sccoters. There are more of us and more vehicles having to share the same space.
Richard_C
Current:C4 Max Hybrid, C3 1.2 Auto
Past Citroens: Dyane (x2), 2CV, Visa, BX (x2), Xantia, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso,C3 (x2) C5 X7 Tourer, Synergie 1.9TD, C1
Others: Hillman Hunter, Cortina Mk1, Maxi, VWT2, Granada, SAAB 900, SAAB 9-5, R5 Gordini
But back to the original topic. Maybe I'm getting old and grumpy but on balance I favour proper regulation and enforcement of emissions, noise etc. and for electric bikes and sccoters. There are more of us and more vehicles having to share the same space.
I do in principle agree, but couple of points on motorbike a load not LOUD pipe can literally be a life saver the number of motorists that do not see bikers but most will at least hear them, yes a few abuse this but for me the better being seen and heard on bike.
Regards regulation of emissions yes, but do we really need double reporting? why can the MOT test not be beefed up and instead of crazy unlimited fines the vehicle just classed as MOT failure, this is not creating a whole new sector to administer and issue fine and extra roadside VOSA tester, instead properly resource the existing MOT stations and make the testing around noise and emissions stronger.
As for electric scooters, unless I missed it they are not covered in the emissions related proposal, BUT ebikes are out of control should be illegal to buy or sell them, only road legal versions (they do exist) should be allowed for sale and used under the correct license, ie not moped these weapons are far more powerful they should be assesses on the true potential output rather than the easily bypassed limits that get them treated as mopeds. once they are taxed and registered the unruly illegal behaviors can be traced back to registered keeper.
I'm all for proper bikers, by proper I mean those that don't dart from 1 side of my car to the other which causes me to look backwards constantly to figure out where they are. A loud exhaust is no excuse to ride like an idiot and that must be stopped. I don't sit behind mobility scooters, cyclists or mopeds revving my engine or put an aftermarket exhaust on to create noise. I do at times think that bikers have a sense of invulnerability because they wear a crash helmet. You see the hi-vis vests saying "polite notice, think bike". I should put a sign on my vehicle saying "polite notice, 2 tonnes of steel". This is based on my experience as a van driver in London, I know all bikers are not the same.
yes not all riders are hooligans, may love their bikes take very good care of them and want to keep it that way. to back up the point i know number of riders police trained and some former traffic police who all have louder pipes on, not for performance, but just to be heard at times as other road users do miss bikes due to the size and speed.
I am not for second defending the yob culture or the ebike bandits
While I understand and agree with your point, i se no gain for China to crippler EVs they are a world trading partner, this would destroy world trade and alienate them, given they have to sell their products I do not see how they benefit from this, no point having huge manufacturing capability then not being able to utilize any of it.
Also to avoid tariffs many Chinese manufacturers are or have set up manufacturing sites within Europe, producing different spec models, for example European models do not have the large LIDAR dome on the roof and full connectivity abilities. By manufacturing outside China my understanding is that they do not have to comply with laws for domestic production. Likewise work outsourced to China eg Tesla is not covered by the same laws as domestic Chinese company.
Its not as black and white as it may seem
