Government Bans Chinese Battery Apps Remotely Disabling E-Rickshaws

Indian authorities have taken decisive action against three Chinese-origin battery management applications suspected of being weaponized to remotely disable electric rickshaws across the country. Google and Apple have received official instructions to delist BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion from their respective app marketplaces, effectively cutting off access for millions of users.

These applications, designed ostensibly for battery monitoring and management, have allegedly been misused to remotely shut down battery systems in e-rickshaws, disrupting the operations of thousands of drivers dependent on these vehicles for their daily income. The coordinated removal from both major app platforms signals the severity with which authorities are treating the security threat posed by these tools.

This incident marks a troubling escalation beyond conventional cybersecurity concerns into physical interference with critical transportation infrastructure. E-rickshaws have become integral to India's urban mobility ecosystem, providing affordable transportation while reducing emissions. The ability to remotely disable these vehicles represents not just a security risk but a direct threat to the livelihoods of countless drivers and families relying on this sector.

The discovery has prompted government agencies to intensify their investigation into how extensively these applications were used to compromise e-rickshaws and whether other similar tools remain active in the market. This move reflects growing vigilance regarding the dual-use potential of applications originating from geopolitically sensitive regions.

Authorities are reportedly scanning for alternative malicious applications that might employ similar remote-shutdown mechanisms. The incident underscores the need for stricter vetting processes for battery management software and closer monitoring of apps accessing critical vehicle systems, particularly those imported from abroad.