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You’ll assume that Kia would have discovered a lesson with the controversy round its gas-powered vehicles getting stolen. For these of you who don’t bear in mind the craziness, spiking round 2022 – 2023, tens of millions of Hyundai/Kia autos from mannequin yr 2011 – 2022 had been stolen as a result of they lacked customary engine immobilizers. This made them simply hotwired through a viral TikTok development referred to as the “Kia Problem”. This led to a multi-state class motion settlement together with software program updates, a strengthened ignition cylinder physique, and shopper compensation.
Now on social media, we’re seeing accounts of Kia’s EV flagship, the EV6, getting stolen by thieves exploiting safety flaws. Right here’s put up by Alan Cooper on the Fb Kia EV6 Discussion board:
“Had EV6 stolen from outdoors home and we’ve video of it. It was executed by gadget unlocking automobile and an OBD2 entry gadget used. Not key copy which was in pouch. I’ve ordered 12V distant disconnect gadget from Amazon for my substitute EV6.”
Mohammed Yahya concurred with:
“Mine was stolen from London whereas it was steering wheel lock on, and the keys are in Faraday field. I used to like mine a lot nevertheless it’s gone. It is a beautiful automobile however a really weak and low cost safety that is really easy to steal. Please concentrate on yours and shield it and be secure all the time.”
Robert Burris prompt a distinct anti-theft resolution:
“Use an OBD2 splitter to place in a dummy powered OBD2 port. It’s going to seem like it really works however will not have the ability to connect with the pc. Then conceal the actual one.
I do not assume you need to go together with the distant battery lower off, not with the computer systems and all the pieces on board now. Each time you narrow that energy from the battery, you narrow the ability to the computer systems and so they should re-learn drivability and will have some drivability issues. Emissions counters all get reset so if it’s important to go for emissions take a look at, you could not cross as a result of it takes time for them to recalculate all the sides, and so on.”
A Rise in EV Thefts is Elevating Alarms
Latest discussions throughout EV boards and social media have introduced automobile safety again into the highlight. One case concerned a Kia EV6 stolen from a hospital parking zone in whereas the proprietor was inside a gathering. This element issues as a result of it guidelines out a basic relay assault, the place thieves amplify a close-by key sign. The proprietor was nowhere near the automobile when it disappeared.
A New Theft Technique is Gaining Recognition
We’re seeing social media posts involving the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. In a number of circumstances, thieves appeared to make use of a handheld gadget that mimics a proximity key, probably biking by way of key codes till the automobile unlocks. As soon as inside, a second gadget is linked to the OBD2 port to program a brand new key, permitting the automobile to be pushed away.
A New Technique, Not the Previous Relay Theft
Relay theft continues to be frequent and entails boosting the sign from a key inside a house. These newer incidents seem totally different. The gadget acts like a short-range key quite than extending an current sign. This means thieves now not want entry to your key in any respect, which makes the menace more durable to disregard.
Good Safety Doesn’t Exist
No automobile is totally theft proof. Given sufficient time, decided thieves will discover a manner. The purpose just isn’t absolute prevention, however delay and deterrence. Making a automobile more durable to steal typically pushes criminals to maneuver on to a neater goal.
Utilizing Inbuilt Car Protections
House owners with Kia Join are inspired to allow valet mode with a PIN each time they park. This prevents thieves from disabling monitoring options in the event that they achieve entry to the cabin. Selecting a non-obvious PIN is important for this to be efficient.
Bodily and Digital Boundaries Assist
Steering wheel locks, full wheel covers, and wheel clamps add seen resistance. Immobilizers add one other layer, however easy 12-volt cutoff switches may be defeated if the frunk is accessed. Extra superior methods just like the Ghost immobilizer supply stronger safety, however they arrive at the next price.
Decreasing Keyless Entry Publicity
Turning off the strategy unlock characteristic removes visible cues like mirror folding or welcome lights. This makes it more durable for thieves utilizing brute pressure gadgets to know after they have succeeded. Slowing suggestions slows the assault.
Concentrating on the OBD Port and Monitoring Choices
Locking or relocating the OBD port can stop new keys from being programmed. Some house owners additionally conceal monitoring gadgets like AirTags, although these may be detected by smartphones. Recording the Kia Join SIM IMEI could assist authorities observe a stolen automobile if different methods are disabled.
Backside Line
The rising sophistication of EV theft highlights a niche between fashionable comfort and safety. Many homeowners are calling on automakers to undertake options like PIN to drive, already used on some Genesis fashions. Till that occurs, a layered strategy combining software program settings, bodily locks, and monitoring stays probably the most sensible protection.
What Do You Suppose?
Have you ever or somebody you recognize skilled an tried theft or suspicious exercise involving a Kia EV6 or one other EV?
After the Kia Problem period, do you are feeling Kia ought to have anticipated and prevented this type of vulnerability in its EVs?
Chris Johnston is the writer of SAE’s complete ebook on electrical autos, “The Arrival of The Electrical Automobile.” His protection on Torque Information focuses on electrical autos. Chris has many years of product administration expertise in telematics, cell computing, and wi-fi communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue College and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring basic picket boats, open water swimming, biking and flying (as a personal pilot). You possibly can join with Chris on LinkedIn and observe his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Photograph credit score: Jeff Tatum (with permission), offered by writer
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