Norwegian researchers have found that NIO ES8 electric vehicles operating inside underground mines are repeatedly attempting to connect to China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system instead of Western systems such as GPS. Notably, these connection attempts continue even when the vehicles are powered off.
Data analysis indicates that roughly 90% of the vehicles’ transmitted signals are routed to servers in China. The fact that the cars attempt to connect with BeiDou deep underground – where satellite signals cannot reach – suggests this behavior is deliberately programmed rather than incidental.
Researchers say the purpose of the transmitted data remains unknown. Cybersecurity experts warn that such data could carry intelligence value, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential national security implications.
Source: Epoch Times, November 19, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/11/18/n14638487.htm