Govt asks Google, Apple to remove apps that can shut down e-rickshaw batteries

The Centre has directed Google and Apple to remove seven apps allegedly capable of remotely disabling batteries in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, citing concerns over misuse, vehicle safety and unauthorised interference with EV battery systems.

In Short

• MeitY orders removal of seven EV battery management apps
• Government cites misuse risks involving remote battery shutdowns
• Google, Apple asked to delist apps from app stores

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Google and Apple, asking them to remove seven applications from their Android and iOS app stores over their alleged misuse in remotely disabling batteries used in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, sources told India Today.

According to the sources, the apps were allegedly being used to remotely shut down vehicle batteries, disrupting the operation of e-rickshaws and other EVs. The government has raised concerns that such applications could be misused to immobilise vehicles without the knowledge or consent of users.

The notices have been sent to both Google and Apple, directing them to delist the identified applications from their respective app stores.

Sources said the action is aimed at preventing the misuse of software that can interfere with the functioning of electric vehicle batteries and pose risks to vehicle owners and operators.

There was no immediate response from Google or Apple on the notices.

BAT-BMS MISUSED FOR EXTORTION

The government's decision traces its origins to the BAT-BMS application, a legitimate Battery Management System (BMS) monitoring app developed by Chinese company Shenzhen Grenergy Technology. Designed to help users monitor Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries, the app displays information such as battery charge, voltage, current, temperature, charging cycles and the health of individual battery cells.

It also allows users to control charging and discharging functions on compatible batteries. However, concerns over its alleged misuse to remotely disable batteries in certain e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles prompted the government's action against the app and similar applications.

The concern surrounding the BAT-BMS app is not about its intended purpose, but its alleged misuse. Developed as a Battery Management System (BMS) monitoring application, BAT-BMS is designed to help users monitor and manage compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries.

According to explanations shared by Grok with users on X, some low-cost lithium battery packs used in Indian e-rickshaws are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled BMS units that have weak or no password protection.

If left unsecured, a person standing within Bluetooth range - typically around 10 to 15 metres - could potentially connect to the battery and disable its discharge function, cutting power to the vehicle's motor and bringing it to a halt.

CAN IT CONTROL ANY E-RICKSHAW?

However, experts caution that the app cannot connect to every electric vehicle. BAT-BMS works only with batteries that have a compatible Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management System.

Many e-rickshaws continue to use conventional lead-acid batteries, which do not support Bluetooth connectivity. Even among lithium-powered vehicles, several manufacturers use proprietary battery management systems that require dedicated applications, making them incompatible with BAT-BMS.

The battery must also support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), broadcast its presence and be compatible with the BAT-BMS platform before a connection can be established. This means viral claims suggesting that anyone can instantly stop any nearby e-rickshaw are misleading.

The episode has nevertheless highlighted cybersecurity concerns within India's growing electric mobility sector. T

he issue is not a sophisticated cyberattack but weak security settings on certain battery management systems. If these systems lack proper authentication or password protection, they may be vulnerable to unauthorised access.

Experts say the reported misuse stems from these security gaps rather than flaws in the BAT-BMS application itself, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards in connected battery systems.

- Ends