Mobile applications, including Chinese BAT-BMS, are being investigated for their role in remotely shutting down moving e-rickshaws through videos circulating on social media. This has raised concerns about safety and cybersecurity. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has instructed Google Play Store and Apple App Store to remove these apps, such as BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch i-ion, due to cybersecurity considerations.
One of these apps, developed by China’s Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, is meant for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries. It enables battery owners to monitor crucial parameters like voltage, current, temperature, and charging cycles in real time. Additionally, users can manage certain battery functions, such as turning off the discharge function for maintenance and safety purposes.
In India, many e-rickshaw manufacturers utilize lithium-ion batteries with Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management Systems (BMS). These systems, in some instances, lack password protection or use default credentials, allowing anyone within Bluetooth range to connect to the battery using apps like BAT-BMS. By successfully connecting, a user can deactivate the battery’s discharge function, cutting power to the vehicle instantly.
