Breaking Boundaries: The Risks and Opportunities of V2X in the EV Era

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By Niels Haverkorn, General Manager of Connected Transport at Irdeto

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue their rapid integration into the modern world, the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) ecosystem is emerging as a game-changer. With technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, V2X enables communication between EVs and their surroundings—whether it be vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I). This transformation promises increased grid stability, smarter energy consumption, and a more seamless digital lifestyle. However, with progress comes vulnerability—and if we don’t act now, the very systems designed to improve our lives could expose us to unseen risks.

V2X is fundamentally changing how we interact with transportation and power infrastructure. V2G technology allows bidirectional energy flow, meaning that EVs can supply electricity back to the grid during peak demand, enhancing stability. Studies show that widespread adoption of V2G could reduce peak electricity demand by up to 20%, alleviating pressure on the grid and supporting renewable energy integration. Meanwhile, V2H applications let EVs power household appliances during outages, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and potentially saving households up to $1,000 annually in energy costs.

Additionally, V2I systems are making autonomous mobility a reality. Smart traffic lights and digital road infrastructure can communicate with vehicles to optimize traffic flow, prevent accidents, and increase efficiency. The European Commission estimates that intelligent transportation systems (ITS), including V2I, could reduce congestion, leading to lower emissions and increased road safety. In theory, the connected nature of these technologies paves the way for a safer, greener, and more efficient world. But theory and reality don’t always align.

Security Oversights: The Risk No One Talks About

Despite the promises of V2X, security remains a major blind spot. Most V2H applications are assumed to be safe simply because they exist within a private setting. After all, who would tamper with a charging station inside a garage? This assumption creates dangerous gaps in security that are being overlooked.

The ISO 15118 standard requires security measures such as authentication certificates, but in practice, many V2H applications are neglecting these protocols. The industry assumption is that a home environment is inherently secure—but what about Airbnbs? Condominiums? Shared parking spaces? The moment we expand beyond a single-family dwelling, these vulnerabilities become evident.

If security is ignored, hackers could gain access to home electricity systems via smart charging stations. In worst-case scenarios, attackers could:

• Manipulate home energy flow, causing outages or surges.
• Steal electricity by posing as an authorized vehicle, potentially leading to energy theft cases similar to those reported in European EV-sharing networks.
• Gain access to smart home devices, including security cameras and digital locks, compromising household privacy and safety.
• Exploit condominium charging systems, potentially shutting down an entire building’s power supply or even overloading the grid.

The Condo Conundrum: A Case Study in Vulnerability

Let’s take a condominium complex as an example. If its V2H infrastructure lacks proper authentication, a resident renting out an Airbnb unit could unknowingly allow an unauthorized user to plug into the system. A bad actor could then disrupt the entire building’s grid—or worse, access connected devices throughout the complex. Research by cybersecurity experts suggests that EV charging stations could be used as an entry point for cyberattacks, much like smart home devices have been targeted in past IoT breaches.

The difference between theory and reality is that current standards do not account for these semi-private environments. If security measures remain lax, V2H will become the weakest link in the V2X ecosystem. The need for strong authentication and certificate-based security has never been more urgent.

While public charging stations are often scrutinized for security risks, private home chargers have received far less attention. This is a false sense of security. As V2X adoption grows, we must acknowledge that technology is going to get better, and so will the threats. If we don’t address these vulnerabilities now, the consequences could be severe.

A December 2024 report by ProcessBolt revealed that critical security vulnerabilities affect more than 80,000 EV charging stations across Europe and North America. These systemic weaknesses pose risks to infrastructure operators, power grid stability, and consumer data security. If private home chargers are ignored in security discussions, the risks could be even higher.

The solution? Stronger authentication measures and mandatory security certificates for all bidirectional charging systems—regardless of whether they are public or private. If these security gaps are not addressed, cybercriminals could exploit EV charging infrastructure to disrupt entire power grids, much like ransomware attacks have crippled critical infrastructure in recent years.

What Comes Next?

It’s time for the industry to rethink its approach to V2H security. Automakers, charging station providers, and grid operators must treat home charging as a potential entry point for cyber threats. A universal security standard for all V2X applications must be enforced, ensuring that private and public infrastructures are equally protected.

Industry leaders and policymakers must act now to ensure the safe evolution of V2X technology. Proactive cybersecurity measures can prevent large-scale disruptions, ensuring that the transition to a digitalized, energy-efficient world remains secure.

In the coming years, V2X will redefine mobility and energy consumption, but its success hinges on security. The industry must break boundaries not only in innovation but also in protection—because in a fully connected world, safety is no longer optional. We must be prepared.