EVs are proliferating, and their growing popularity has revealed security vulnerabilities that could slow the industry’s further growth. To combat these roadblocks, the DOE has granted Virginia Tech $3 million to improve charging network quality and security.

Virginia Tech will work with researchers and manufacturers to both improve charging network security and streamline the charging experience, addressing such issues as privacy, charge time, cybersecurity and cyber-physical security.

“We will work to protect the infrastructure for fast charging: controllers, converters and monitoring systems. In addition, we will address user privacy by using secure sensing and ‘smart’ defense systems,” said assistant professor Ryan Gerdes. “The process will deploy remote updates to address system vulnerability.”

Virginia Tech partnered with IoT security provider OnBoard Security to improve charging unit cybersecurity and resilience while protecting user privacy by designing new software and charging architectures, the university reported.

“EVs are vulnerable to attacks via charging stations that could lead to stolen personal and financial information, vehicle damage and attacks on the electrical grid,” said OnBoard Director of Research Jonathan Petit. “The grant will allow my research team, Virginia Tech and other partners to evaluate these attack vectors and recommend solutions.”

Source: Virginia Tech