Hybrid and Electric Vehicle could pose a new security risk

The main focus for manufacturers at the motor show was environmentally friendly vehicles. The electric drives used in these vehicles could pose new security risks when compared to conventional power trains.

“Better Place”, an American Electric Vehicle infrastructure company, plans a future where vehicles have batteries that can be changed when they run out of power. With the vehicle batteries likely to be worth several thousand pounds, a high level of security will be needed to deter a thief from stealing them. This needs to be balanced against the customer requirement to change an exhausted battery quickly and conveniently.

Current research from SBD indicates that manufacturers aren’t currently considering security requirements to be a priority for their hybrid and electric vehicles. If they are not careful, this could leave them vulnerable when they are launched. The challenges that arise for manufacturers are how to securely immobilise the electrical motors, and how to protect the battery to prevent it from being stolen.

SBD are actively monitoring development in vehicle security and offer a wide range of consultancy and reports to aid manufacturers in designing secure vehicles.

Are Smart Keys taking off?

Vehicle manufacturers generally agree that consumer awareness, and therefore demand for Smart Key systems is still very low. In contrasting moves, Opel has decided to delete their Smart Key system from their whole range, whilst Saab has introduced it as standard. Several other vehicle manufacturers are bringing out their first Smart Key systems, however they are optional, and sometimes only available on high end models.

SBD believe that once consumers are made aware of the benefits of Smart Key systems that will be more willing to purchase a vehicle with such a system fitted. If other vehicle manufacturers follow Saab’s approach, and they communicate the benefits clearly, this will significantly increase consumer awareness and demand for Smart Key systems.

The next 18 months will be an interesting time for Smart Key systems. If vehicle manufacturers push the benefits of these systems to the consumer, fitment will increase, otherwise we could see other vehicle manufacturers following Opel’s footsteps and deleting systems.

SBD have a wide range of research available on Smart Key technology, competitor benchmarking and end user surveys, analysing what customers really want from their systems.

For more information of SBD’s work in these areas, please contact Juanita Appleby on jappleby@sbd.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1908 305101.

Citroen's Electric Vehicle Concept

Alpha exhibit

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Peugeot's Hybrid engine