Government Removes Chinese Apps Linked to Remote E-Rickshaw Shutdowns, Orders EV Cybersecurity Review
The Indian government has directed the removal of three Chinese-linked smartphone applications — BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion — from app stores following reports that they were being misused to remotely disable battery-operated e-rickshaws through Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems (BMS).
The Indian government has directed the removal of three Chinese-linked smartphone applications — BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion — from app stores following reports that they were being misused to remotely disable battery-operated e-rickshaws through Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems (BMS).
The move comes amid growing concerns over electric vehicle (EV) cybersecurity and the potential misuse of connected battery management technologies.
Government Removes BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion Apps
Confirming the action on Friday, IT Secretary S Krishnan said the applications were removed soon after they came to the government's attention.
He stated that the government acted immediately after identifying the apps and confirmed that they had been taken down from app stores. Government sources later said that removal orders had been issued for three applications — BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion.
Cybersecurity Concerns Trigger Government Action
The issue gained nationwide attention after videos circulated on social media allegedly showing battery-operated e-rickshaws being remotely switched off using smartphone applications connected to Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems.
The incidents sparked concerns about the cybersecurity of connected electric vehicles and highlighted possible vulnerabilities in battery management systems used in low-cost EVs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the CII Cybersecurity Summit, S Krishnan also said app stores need to exercise greater scrutiny before allowing applications onto their platforms. He added that the government would engage with app store operators to strengthen checks and prevent potentially harmful applications from becoming available to users.
Delhi Government Orders Investigation
The Delhi government has directed its Transport Department to verify the authenticity of the BAT-BMS application and investigate allegations that it can remotely disable e-rickshaws through Bluetooth connectivity.
Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said officials have been instructed to examine the matter after complaints surfaced, although the department has not yet received any formal written complaint.
How the Apps Allegedly Disable E-Rickshaws
According to preliminary findings, the applications are designed to wirelessly connect with Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery management systems installed in electric vehicles.
These apps are primarily intended to monitor battery performance, including voltage, temperature, current, and overall battery health. However, officials believe the applications have been misused to interfere with battery operations by exploiting weak security protections in certain battery management systems.
Government officials noted that several low-cost e-rickshaws in India use Chinese-manufactured battery management systems that often lack essential security features such as password protection and user authentication. This allows nearby users to connect via Bluetooth and remotely disable the battery's power output.
BAT-BMS Developed by Chinese Company
BAT-BMS was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, a company based in Shenzhen, China. The application is designed to help users monitor lithium battery performance and remotely manage compatible battery systems.
Authorities believe that while the application serves legitimate battery management functions, its remote-control capabilities may have been exploited in India by connecting to unsecured battery systems installed in some electric vehicles.
Viral Videos Raise Safety Concerns
Several videos that went viral on social media appeared to show users remotely turning off the battery discharge function of e-rickshaws using these applications, leaving vehicles stranded on roads.
Some e-rickshaw drivers reportedly claimed they were forced to seek assistance from strangers and pay money to get their vehicles operational again after their battery systems were remotely disabled.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions on strengthening cybersecurity standards for connected electric vehicles and improving security requirements for battery management systems used across India's growing EV sector.
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