New Delhi: The Centre has directed the removal of two mobile applications, BAT BMS and Epoch Li-ion, from both Android and Apple app stores following reports that they were being misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws in Delhi.
The applications, designed as battery management systems for lithium ion batteries, use Bluetooth connectivity to monitor parameters such as voltage, temperature and current. However, their remote control features were allegedly exploited by users to switch off compatible e-rickshaws while they were in operation.
The issue gained widespread attention after videos surfaced on social media showing individuals connecting to nearby e-rickshaw batteries through the applications and disabling the vehicles with a single tap. The incidents left several drivers stranded in the middle of roads and unable to restart their vehicles without reconnecting to the same application.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has now stepped in, ordering both applications to be removed from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Confirming the move, S Krishnan said the government intends to work closely with app store operators to prevent potentially harmful applications from becoming publicly accessible in the future.
Officials explained that while the apps were originally intended for legitimate battery monitoring and maintenance purposes, the absence of password protection or proper authentication on some systems made unauthorised access possible.
The controversy has highlighted growing cybersecurity concerns within India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector, particularly around connected battery systems that can be accessed through wireless technologies.
Experts have called for stronger security standards and mandatory authentication measures for battery management systems to prevent misuse and protect the livelihoods of thousands of e-rickshaw drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily income.
