As China quietly advances its goal of global dominance by 2049, a growing threat is emerging—one hidden inside electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Experts in cybersecurity are raising concerns that these everyday technologies could serve as silent tools for influence, espionage, and even disruption across the United States.
How China’s Vision for 2049 Involves More Than Just Economics
The year 2049 holds enormous significance for China. It marks the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and with it, a sweeping ambition: the so-called “great rejuvenation” of the Chinese nation. This plan spans modernizing socialism at home, expanding military strength, achieving technological self-sufficiency, and extending global cultural influence.
While much attention falls on China’s cyber capabilities, another, quieter front is forming—through technologies embedded deep within critical infrastructures, like EV batteries.
CATL and the Hidden Risks in EV Batteries
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, supplies giants like Tesla, BMW, VW, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford. With nearly 40% of the global EV battery market, CATL’s influence stretches far and wide.
In early 2025, the Pentagon officially listed CATL among Chinese military companies, highlighting concerns that its battery management systems (BMS) might be more than just basic tech. At the World Economic Forum, CATL leadership emphasized the move toward “electric intelligent vehicles,” introducing cloud-connected features that allow for two-way communication between batteries and CATL’s servers.
These connections raise an alarming question: Are EV batteries quietly creating remote access channels that could be exploited?
How EV Batteries Could Become a Cybersecurity Nightmare
The first danger is silent surveillance. Battery systems constantly log data—on-off patterns, energy spikes, and usage behaviors—that could reveal sensitive information when aggregated over time. For instance, if an EV battery at a secure military site shows abnormal activity, it could hint at operational changes or troop movements.
But the risks don’t stop there. If these systems can transmit data out, they could also be used to receive malicious commands. In a worst-case scenario, malware could be delivered remotely, disabling fleets of EVs or even causing targeted explosions similar to the remote detonations seen in past conflicts.
More troubling is that CATL’s reach extends beyond vehicles. Their batteries also power industrial equipment, electric trains, consumer devices, and—critically—the U.S. power grid.
The Threat to America’s Power Grid
Testimonies from energy sector scientists highlight the rising concern over China-made battery energy storage systems (BESS) used in U.S. grid infrastructure. Given the already proven tactics of Chinese cyber units like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, the threat of pre-positioned malware or intelligence-gathering operations inside America’s critical infrastructure is very real.
Efforts to remove CATL technology, like the removal of Chinese batteries at Camp Lejeune in 2024, show that the U.S. government is taking steps to reduce vulnerabilities. Yet, fully replacing these systems is no easy task, especially when domestic alternatives remain limited.
Allowing systems with potential command-and-control (C2) functionality tied back to China introduces not just risks of spying, but the chilling prospect of widespread operational sabotage.
Beyond the Car: Batteries as Instruments of Influence
The story of CATL is not isolated. China’s strategic use of technology companies to embed themselves into critical sectors mirrors tactics seen with Huawei. Low-cost products enable rapid market dominance, and hidden connections to state interests blur the line between commerce and national security threats.
Analysis suggests that China’s use of patent and intellectual property systems could also serve broader strategic goals, such as inflating company valuations to attract foreign capital while strengthening Chinese government finances. CATL’s ballooning patent portfolio, despite inconsistencies, paints a picture of deliberate positioning to gain both technological and financial leverage.
Connecting the Dots: A Coordinated Strategy for Global Dominance
Every piece—EV batteries, energy grid penetration, military modernization, and economic expansion—fits into a larger puzzle. The goal isn’t merely to surpass the West through one decisive move but to slowly erode resistance across multiple fronts over decades.
Culturally, economically, and militarily, China aims to weave itself into the fabric of global systems. By the time vulnerabilities become apparent, the integration may already be too deep to easily reverse. EV batteries, once seen simply as tools of green progress, could in fact be strategic assets in a broader geopolitical contest.
This long-game strategy relies on a fundamental cultural difference: while Western nations often demand immediate results, China is willing to play patiently, pursuing multi-generational plans with subtlety and persistence.
Final Thoughts: Why Cybersecurity is Now National Security
The emerging risks tied to EV batteries are just one example of a much broader challenge. In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is national security. Defending against hidden threats within everyday technology is no longer optional; it’s essential to protecting critical infrastructure, economic prosperity, and national sovereignty.
Understanding this evolving landscape—and acting decisively—could determine whether the United States remains resilient against a future quietly being shaped by adversaries through the devices we trust the most.
