New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Google and Apple to remove seven battery management apps from their app stores after reports of widespread misuse to remotely disable e-rickshaws mid-route.
Acting on viral videos and driver complaints, the Centre ordered the takedown of BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch Li-ion, among others, for enabling users to shut down moving e-rickshaws via Bluetooth.
The BAT-BMS app, developed by China’s Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, is designed to monitor lithium-ion batteries but was exploited to connect to unprotected e-rickshaw battery systems within a 10–15 metre range.
With a single tap, pranksters could cut power, stranding drivers and endangering passengers.
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan confirmed the apps were removed after coming to the government’s notice, speaking at the CII Cybersecurity Summit. He said app stores must exercise “due care” to prevent such damaging apps and that the ministry will engage with platforms to strengthen safeguards.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh called the practice illegal and said police will take action against those misusing the apps. Officials warned that many e-rickshaws and electric two-wheelers ship with battery systems lacking password protection or using factory-default credentials, making them vulnerable.
The government is now examining broader cybersecurity risks for connected EV battery systems and may mandate stronger security standards.
