India Removes E-Rickshaw Battery Apps
India has asked Google and Apple to remove several battery management apps from their platforms after reports that they were being misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws, raising public safety and cybersecurity concerns.
India Removes E-Rickshaw Battery Apps
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed the removal of seven mobile applications, including BAT-BMS, SMART BMS, LOSSIGY and Epoch Li-ion, from app stores. The action followed reports and videos showing people allegedly using such apps to switch off e-rickshaw batteries remotely.
Officials said the issue would be taken up with app stores to ensure potentially harmful applications are not easily available in the public domain. Some reports had initially mentioned two apps being removed, but later updates said the government had ordered action against seven apps.
Bluetooth Battery Systems Raise Safety Risk
The apps are designed to connect with compatible lithium-ion battery management systems through Bluetooth. In some cases, weak or absent authentication reportedly allowed unauthorised users nearby to access the battery system and shut down the vehicle.
The concern is serious because the alleged misuse affected vehicles operating on public roads. Sudden shutdowns of e-rickshaws during rides could endanger drivers, passengers and other road users, apart from disrupting traffic.
E-Rickshaw App Misuse Under Scrutiny
The incident has highlighted risks linked to connected mobility systems, especially in low-cost electric vehicles that rely on third-party battery components and apps. Authorities are now expected to examine whether app stores and device makers need tighter checks before such tools are made publicly available.
The government’s action marks a shift from traditional app-related concerns such as data privacy to direct interference with physical transport systems. The episode may also push stronger cybersecurity standards for electric vehicle batteries and connected vehicle software.
