PhD Position: Analysing Demand Manipulation Attacks via Electric Vehicle Charging The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

This PhD project at The University of Manchester investigates the emerging threat of demand manipulation attacks targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and their impact on power grid stability. As EV adoption accelerates, critical services increasingly depend on reliable charging and grid operations. However, the power grid’s complexity, legacy systems, and limited digitisation present challenges for dynamic adaptation and load balancing, making it vulnerable to rapidly changing demand and potential cyber attacks.

Recent research has identified significant security vulnerabilities in EV charging infrastructure, including weaknesses in charging communications that adversaries could exploit. Notable attacks such as Brokenwire and related studies have demonstrated the feasibility of intercepting and manipulating charging signals, raising concerns about large-scale grid disruption. The project’s central research question is: How vulnerable is the power grid to demand manipulation attacks originating from the EV charging infrastructure?

To address this, the project will analyse, model, and evaluate both physical-layer and communication-level attack vectors on EV charging systems. It will compare naive and advanced attack strategies using hardware-in-the-loop experiments, grid simulations, and empirical data from real-world charging deployments. The research aims to quantify the impact of these attacks and develop robust detection, prevention, and recovery mechanisms to enhance grid resilience.

Applicants should hold or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, ideally with a focus on Cyber Security. Strong programming skills (C, C++ or Python) and familiarity with computer networks are highly desirable. The project welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and supports flexible study arrangements, including part-time options.

Funding is available for excellent candidates through competence-based faculty funding, covering tuition fees and providing a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), with annual increases expected. Self-funded students are also encouraged to apply. The start date is October 2026, and early application is recommended as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

To apply, candidates should contact the supervisors to discuss their academic background and motivation, then submit an online application with all required documents, including transcripts, CV, supporting statement, and referee details. For further information or application queries, contact the admissions team at [email protected].

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the security and stability of future EV charging ecosystems, with outcomes aimed at informing operators, manufacturers, and standardisation bodies.