As a leader in Australia’s electric vehicle landscape, AUSEV has been acutely aware of the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act’s implications for the nation’s automotive and energy sectors. With its focus on protecting essential services, the SOCI Act mandates that companies in sectors like transportation ensure their infrastructure—physical, cyber, and technological—is resilient against evolving threats. For AUSEV, this legislation isn’t just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing the country’s transition to a clean, secure, and reliable transportation network.
While Australia’s domestic legislation has been a guiding force, AUSEV is also keeping a close eye on developments overseas, particularly in the United States. In April 2024, AUSEV made a submission to the White House on securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) supply chain for connected vehicles. The US, as a global leader in both automotive technology and national security, is setting standards that may influence not just their market but also the international landscape.
The increasing reliance on connected vehicle technologies—systems that communicate through digital networks to enhance vehicle performance and safety—means that cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of vehicle manufacturing. In the US, stricter regulations and a greater emphasis on securing these technologies are emerging as part of their national policy. From ensuring that software updates are secure to protecting communication networks from cyber intrusions, the US is implementing a comprehensive framework that extends beyond vehicle manufacturing to the supply chains that support them.
These developments are critical for AUSEV, as they could heavily influence Australian fleet procurement strategies moving forward. Australia’s automotive market is closely tied to global supply chains, and the trends shaping US policy are expected to impact the design and procurement of fleets here at home. With the US focusing on cybersecurity as a core element of its connected vehicle policies, Australia is likely to see similar expectations for fleet vehicles, particularly for government and commercial sectors that require enhanced security standards.
AUSEV, understanding the importance of remaining aligned with global trends, recognises that Australia’s fleet procurement strategies will need to account for both local legislations, like the SOCI Act, and international standards coming from key markets like the US. This means Australian fleet buyers may begin to prioritise not just sustainability and efficiency in their vehicles, but also security—ensuring that connected vehicle technologies meet the highest cybersecurity standards and are resilient against emerging threats.
As AUSEV continues to shape Australia’s electric vehicle future, it’s clear that the SOCI Act and international developments, particularly from the US, will play a key role in determining the direction of fleet procurement. With an eye on both domestic security and global trends, AUSEV is positioning itself to lead the way in delivering safe, secure, and innovative fleet solutions for Australia’s future.
