India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Google and Apple to remove seven battery management apps, including BAT-BMS, SMART BMS, and LOSSIGY, from their app stores. These apps have been used maliciously to disable e-rickshaw batteries by exploiting weak security in Bluetooth connections.
- Seven battery apps targeted for removal over misuse risks
- Apps exploit Bluetooth access to disable e-rickshaw batteries
- MeitY cites public safety concerns in urban transport
What happened
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India has sent formal notices to Google and Apple directing them to remove seven mobile applications from their Android and iOS platforms. These apps include BAT-BMS, SMART BMS, and LOSSIGY, which are designed to monitor lithium-ion battery health for e-rickshaws.
Reports indicate that some users abused these battery management apps by connecting to e-rickshaw batteries via Bluetooth and remotely disabling battery power. This unauthorized access exploits weak or absent authentication in certain battery management systems, effectively immobilizing the vehicle.
Why it matters
E-rickshaws play a vital role in India’s public transport ecosystem, especially in many urban centers where they provide an affordable and sustainable travel option. The ability to disable batteries remotely poses a significant public safety risk by potentially stranding drivers and passengers unexpectedly.
The lack of robust security in some battery management systems highlights vulnerabilities in IoT device protections in the Indian electric vehicle market. MeitY’s intervention underscores the need for improved authentication controls in battery apps to prevent malicious interference and maintain trust in electric mobility infrastructure.
What to watch next
Authorities and app stores will likely monitor the outcomes of removing these apps and assess if additional security measures or regulatory standards should be implemented for battery management systems in electric vehicles, especially e-rickshaws.
Industry stakeholders, including battery manufacturers and electric vehicle operators, may accelerate efforts to improve app security protocols. Watch for announcements regarding software updates or new guidelines promulgated to strengthen authentication and safeguard vehicle operations.