The government has ordered the removal of three mobile applications allegedly being misused to remotely stop e-rickshaws and other battery-operated vehicles, amid growing concerns over passenger safety and cybersecurity, sources said on Friday.
According to sources, the applications, BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion, have been directed to be taken down. Authorities are also expected to block any other similar applications found to be enabling such misuse.
The action follows the circulation of viral videos showing people using mobile applications to halt moving e-rickshaws by connecting to their battery management systems.
The applications are primarily designed to monitor the health and performance of lithium-ion batteries. However, officials said some battery management systems installed in e-rickshaws lack basic authentication safeguards, allowing nearby users to connect through Bluetooth and switch off a vehicle without requiring a password or the owner's permission.
Lossigy, one of the applications identified by the government, can reportedly detect compatible electric vehicles within Bluetooth range and disable them with a single command.
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According to information available on the BAT-BMS application, it is intended to monitor battery charge levels, voltage, current, temperature, cycle count and cell health through Bluetooth connectivity, with an operational range of up to 15 metres.
Drivers said the vulnerability has existed for some time but has gained attention after videos demonstrating the exploit began circulating widely on social media.
A person familiar with the matter said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been examining the issue. A senior Delhi government official said many e-rickshaws are fitted with Chinese-manufactured battery management systems that have minimal security protections, making them vulnerable to misuse.
Experts said the incident highlights the cybersecurity risks associated with low-cost connected devices and the need for stronger security standards in battery management systems used in electric vehicles.
The government has not yet issued a formal public statement on the takedown order. However, sources said further action could be taken against other applications found to pose similar risks to battery-operated vehicles.
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