Defense leaders have been instructed to refrain from using electric cars due to concerns that the Chinese manufacturers could potentially listen in on their conversations.
There is apprehension that the built-in microphones could record and send out conversations, posing a threat to national security.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has rented numerous Chinese electric cars in an effort to achieve Net Zero objectives.
And they have ordered thousands more under plans to clean up its fleet of 12,000 civilian vehicles within two years.
Many of the cars are MGs from China’s state-owned Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.
The Sun understands a security notice was issued across the department banning sensitive conversations in electric cars.
A source said: “It’s crazy. A lot of these electric cars are used by senior officers, who know a lot of secrets.
“They work on sensitive missions.
“It’s normal to discuss work when they’re driving, especially if everyone in the car is cleared to the same level or working on the same project.
“They aren’t used to thinking the car might be listening — especially if the car has been issued by the UK MoD.”
Latest figures show the MoD has 745 electric vehicles and 1,414 hybrid vehicles in its fleet.
A second source said: “These cars are everywhere now, from Special Forces headquarters to nuclear submarine bases.
“It’s not just conversations they can track.
“The cars record where they go. Some have cameras inside and out.
“They build up a pattern of life and identify individuals which can put personnel at risk.”
Last year, the US vowed to ban some Chinese car parts over fears they would be used by snoops.
An MoD spokesperson said: “Protecting national security is the foundation of everything we do.
“We have strict security procedures in place to ensure sensitive information is protected.”
MG and Chinese electric car maker BYD were asked to comment.
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