U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin have introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation aimed at restricting Chinese-manufactured vehicles and China-linked connected vehicle technologies from the U.S. market, according to a Senate statement.
The bill seeks to address national security concerns tied to foreign access and potential control over critical vehicle systems. It would prohibit the import, manufacture, sale, and resale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware associated with China or other designated foreign adversaries. The legislation also authorizes the U.S. Department of Commerce to identify and restrict high-risk automotive technologies.
Under the proposal, software and vehicle-level restrictions would take effect in 2027, with hardware-related restrictions following in 2030.
The legislation comes amid broader scrutiny of supply chain dependencies in the automotive and battery sectors.
Ford Motor Company has publicly endorsed the measure, despite its licensing arrangement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) for battery production at its BlueOval Battery Park Michigan facility. The U.S. Department of Defense designated CATL as a Chinese military company under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act in January 2025.
The bill also highlights China’s dominant role in global battery supply chains.
According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for more than 75% of global lithium-ion battery production capacity and produces roughly 98% of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials and cells. Chinese entities also control more than 90% of certain key components used in connected vehicle systems, including battery anode materials.
Ford Motor Company, the United Auto Workers, and General Motors have all expressed support for the legislation, according to the senators’ office.
Sen. Moreno represents Ohio and serves on the Senate Commerce Committee. Sen. Slotkin represents Michigan, the nation’s leading auto manufacturing state, which produces more than two million vehicles annually and supports nearly 500,000 automotive jobs.
