The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has instructed Google Play Store and Apple App Store to eliminate the Chinese BAT-BMS mobile application due to concerns about its potential misuse in disrupting e-rickshaws remotely. Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals using the app to connect to nearby e-rickshaws via Bluetooth and deactivate their battery systems while in motion, raising worries about passenger safety and the security of battery management systems (BMS) in low-cost electric vehicles. The government is now investigating the broader cybersecurity implications of such vulnerabilities and considering additional protections for connected battery systems in electric vehicles.
The BAT-BMS app, developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, serves as a companion application for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries. It allows battery owners to monitor various parameters like voltage, current, temperature, charging cycles, and battery health, as well as control battery discharge functions. Many e-rickshaws and electric two-wheelers in India utilize battery management systems without password protection, making it feasible for individuals within Bluetooth range to pair with the battery and, in some instances, disconnect power remotely.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh mentioned that although no formal written complaint had been lodged with the department, concerns about the BAT-BMS app had been raised by the public. The Transport Department has been tasked with verifying the authenticity of the application and investigating the claims regarding its usage, as reported by NDTV.
