Which Apps Were Banned for Remotely Disabling E-Rickshaws in India?
The Indian government has removed the BAT-BMS, Epoch-i-ion, and Lossigy apps from app stores following allegations that they were used to remotely disable e-rickshaws. Investigations are underway after drivers reported extortion attempts, while experts confirm that major EV brands remain unaffected.
The Indian government has ordered the removal of the BAT-BMS, Epoch-i-ion and Lossigy applications from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This decisive action follows widespread reports and viral social media videos alleging that these Chinese-origin applications were being utilised to remotely disable e-rickshaws, leaving numerous drivers stranded on public roads.
As per a News18 report, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology confirmed the removal of these apps due to significant security concerns and the potential for misuse. The government has initiated a formal investigation, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to determine the extent of the alleged vulnerability.
Government Probe Into E-Rickshaw Remote Disabling
The controversy emerged after drivers reported their vehicles suddenly losing power, with some alleging that they were subsequently coerced into paying money to regain access. The Delhi government took immediate notice of these claims, directing the Transport Department and Delhi Police to verify the allegations. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh noted that the administration would take strict action if the reports of deliberate remote sabotage were substantiated.
In a related enforcement action, police in Ujjain recently arrested a suspect accused of using a mobile application to disable vehicles and extort funds from drivers. This criminal investigation is currently ongoing, highlighting the broader security implications for the e-rickshaw sector.
EV Safety and Battery Management Systems
While the incident has caused alarm among e-rickshaw operators, industry experts have sought to differentiate these systems from standard electric vehicles. A live demonstration conducted at a Tata Motors showroom showed that electric cars remain secure against such exploits. According to showroom Vice President Neeraj Mishra, electric vehicles utilise a closed-loop, encrypted Battery Management System that is significantly more secure than the Bluetooth-based modules often found in lower-cost e-rickshaw batteries.
List of Apps Banned for Remotely Disabling E-Rickshaws in India
- BAT-BMS
- SMART BMS
- LOSSIGY
- Epoch-i-ion (also referred to as Epoch Li-ion)
What is the BAT-BMS Application?
The BAT-BMS application is designed to communicate with lithium battery management systems via Bluetooth. While intended for legitimate use by manufacturers and technicians to monitor battery health, diagnose faults and manage charging settings, the application has now been flagged for its potential to override vehicle functionality. The government continues to advise operators to remain vigilant regarding software permissions and the security of their vehicle hardware.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 04:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
