BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw Removed by Government: BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion Apps Taken Down Over Remote Disable Concerns
BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw Removed by Government Over Remote Disable Concerns; Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion Also Taken Down
The BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw has come under the spotlight after the Government of India ordered its removal from app stores, along with two other applications—Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion. The decision follows allegations that these apps were being misused to remotely disable battery-operated e-rickshaws through Bluetooth connectivity, raising serious concerns over cybersecurity and vehicle safety.
According to government sources quoted by PTI, the apps were reportedly being exploited by unauthorized individuals to connect with lithium battery management systems (BMS) installed in certain e-rickshaws and switch off their battery output. This resulted in vehicles unexpectedly stopping on roads, leaving drivers stranded.
The development has sparked nationwide discussions about the security of connected electric vehicles and the need for stronger safeguards in battery management systems.
Government Removes BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw and Other Similar Apps
The government has directed app stores to remove three applications—BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion—after they came under scrutiny for their alleged misuse.
Speaking on the sidelines of a CII Cybersecurity Summit, IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that action had been initiated after the applications were brought to the government's attention.
He stated that the apps had already been taken down from app stores after authorities became aware of the issue.
Government officials later clarified that removal orders had been issued specifically for the BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion due to concerns that their remote-control functionality could be exploited.
Why the BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw Came Under Investigation
The controversy began after multiple videos circulated on social media showing people allegedly connecting to nearby e-rickshaw batteries using Bluetooth-enabled smartphone applications.
In these videos, users appeared to disable the battery's discharge function, causing the e-rickshaw to stop functioning even while it was on the road.
Although these applications were originally designed for battery monitoring and management, authorities believe some individuals misused their features to interfere with compatible battery systems installed in certain electric vehicles.
The viral videos triggered concerns among e-rickshaw owners, transport authorities, and cybersecurity experts.
How the BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw Allegedly Works
The BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw is primarily intended as a battery management application.
Battery Management System (BMS) apps are commonly used to monitor battery performance, including:
- Battery voltage
- Temperature
- Charging status
- Current flow
- Battery health
- Cell balancing information
These applications communicate with compatible lithium batteries through Bluetooth.
Officials believe that the issue arose because some battery systems lacked adequate security measures. If a battery's Bluetooth connection was left unsecured, nearby users could potentially connect to it without authorization.
Once connected, they could allegedly access certain battery controls, including disabling the battery's discharge output, effectively stopping the vehicle.
Authorities have stressed that this issue appears to relate to vulnerable battery systems rather than all electric vehicles.
Security Weaknesses in Some Battery Management Systems
Government officials have indicated that many affordable e-rickshaws in India use imported Battery Management Systems manufactured in China.
According to preliminary findings, some of these systems lack essential cybersecurity protections such as:
- Password authentication
- Secure Bluetooth pairing
- User verification
- Encrypted communication
Without these safeguards, nearby users may be able to establish Bluetooth connections if the battery is discoverable.
Experts believe stronger authentication protocols could significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Delhi Government Orders Verification of BAT-BMS App for E Rickshaw
The Delhi Government has also initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Transport Minister Pankaj Singh instructed the Transport Department to examine claims that the BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw could remotely disable electric vehicles through Bluetooth connectivity.
Officials have been asked to verify the authenticity of the application and investigate whether the reported incidents are genuine.
Although the department reportedly received complaints regarding the issue, officials stated that no formal written complaint had been submitted at the time of the announcement.
Government Asks App Stores to Increase Security Checks
Along with ordering the removal of the three applications, the government has emphasized that app stores should exercise greater scrutiny before publishing applications that interact with connected devices.
IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that digital platforms must conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure potentially harmful applications are not made available to users.
The government is expected to discuss stronger review mechanisms with app store operators to improve cybersecurity standards.
BAT-BMS App Was Originally Designed for Battery Monitoring
The BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw was reportedly developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, based in Shenzhen, China.
The application was designed as a battery management tool for compatible lithium batteries, allowing users to:
- Monitor battery health
- View charging information
- Check battery status
- Manage supported battery settings remotely
Officials have clarified that while the application itself serves legitimate battery management purposes, its remote-control features may have been exploited when connected to battery systems lacking adequate security protections.
E-Rickshaw Drivers Reported Difficulties
Several viral social media videos showed e-rickshaws suddenly becoming inoperable after someone allegedly connected to their battery through Bluetooth.
Some drivers reportedly claimed they had to seek assistance from strangers to restart their vehicles after the battery discharge function had been switched off.
These incidents have raised concerns among thousands of e-rickshaw owners who depend on their vehicles for daily income.
Industry experts believe manufacturers should strengthen battery security to prevent unauthorized access and improve user safety.
Cybersecurity Concerns in India's Growing Electric Vehicle Market
India's electric mobility sector has expanded rapidly over the past few years, with e-rickshaws becoming one of the most widely used forms of affordable transportation.
As more vehicles adopt connected technologies, cybersecurity has become increasingly important.
Experts suggest manufacturers should implement:
- Secure Bluetooth authentication
- Password-protected Battery Management Systems
- Firmware security updates
- Encrypted communication protocols
- Restricted administrative controls
These measures can help reduce the possibility of unauthorized access to connected battery systems.
What E-Rickshaw Owners Should Do
Owners of e-rickshaws equipped with Bluetooth-enabled batteries may consider taking a few precautions while authorities continue their investigations:
- Check whether the battery supports password protection.
- Install firmware updates provided by the battery manufacturer.
- Avoid sharing Bluetooth credentials with unknown individuals.
- Keep Bluetooth disabled when it is not required, if supported.
- Contact the battery manufacturer if any unusual behavior is observed.
Users should avoid relying solely on unverified social media claims and wait for official findings from the concerned authorities.
Conclusion
The government's decision to remove the BAT-BMS app for e rickshaw, along with Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion, reflects growing concerns over cybersecurity in connected electric vehicles. While the applications were originally developed for battery monitoring and management, officials believe security vulnerabilities in certain Battery Management Systems may have allowed unauthorized users to misuse their remote-control features.
Investigations by both central and Delhi government authorities are ongoing. The findings are expected to help determine the extent of the issue and whether additional regulatory measures are needed to improve the security of Bluetooth-enabled battery systems used in e-rickshaws across India.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements released at the time of publication. Investigations into the alleged misuse of the BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion applications are ongoing, and further updates may emerge as authorities complete their inquiries. Portions of this article were generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and have been reviewed and edited for factual accuracy and readability before publication.
