The Centre on Friday directed Google and Apple to remove seven mobile applications that are allegedly capable of remotely disabling batteries in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, citing concerns over vehicle safety, misuse and unauthorised access to EV battery management systems.
According to sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to both Google and Apple, directing them to remove the identified applications from their respective app stores, ANI reported.
The move follows concerns that the apps could be misused to remotely shut down batteries fitted in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, potentially compromising passenger safety and disrupting vehicle operations.
Among the applications identified by the government are BAT-BMS, SMART BMS and LOSSIGY. Authorities believe these apps could enable unauthorised interference with battery management systems, prompting the Centre to seek their removal from the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store.
Understanding the e-rickshaw battery pranks in Delhi
The issue came to light after several videos surfaced on social media showing people using smartphone applications such as BAT-BMS to remotely switch off the batteries of moving e-rickshaws. The vehicles reportedly lost power abruptly, forcing them to stop in the middle of the road and raising serious concerns over passenger safety.
The apps were originally developed to help users and technicians monitor battery health, check charging status and manage battery settings.
However, investigators suspect that individuals exploited security vulnerabilities in certain battery management systems (BMS), allowing them to connect to batteries via Bluetooth without proper authentication and activate the "discharge off" function, which cuts power to the vehicle.
The incidents disrupted traffic, left drivers and passengers stranded, and affected the livelihoods of e-rickshaw operators who rely on daily earnings. In several cases, drivers reportedly had to push their vehicles to service centres after their batteries were remotely disabled.
Following the viral videos, the Delhi government launched an investigation into the matter. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said on Thursday that the government is examining the issue and indicated that the police are likely to take legal action, describing such misuse of the technology as illegal.
Authorities are also assessing whether similar vulnerabilities exist in other battery management applications and systems, and whether stricter cybersecurity standards are required to prevent unauthorised access to electric vehicle batteries.
