A B Wani
Srinagar, July 3 : The Government of India has ordered the removal of two Chinese battery management applications — BAT BMS and Epoch Li-ion — from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, after they were found being misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws.
The action follows the circulation of several prank videos on social media showing individuals connecting to nearby e-rickshaws via Bluetooth and switching off the battery discharge function. This caused the vehicles to stop abruptly, leaving drivers stranded mid-route.
According to officials, both apps were designed to manage lithium-ion battery systems but were exploited by pranksters to interfere with the functioning of electric vehicles.
Following an examination, authorities found that the apps could be misused to disrupt e-rickshaw operations and pose risks to public safety. They have since directed both platforms to remove the apps to prevent further misuse.
The move is expected to protect e-rickshaw operators from unauthorized remote interference and strengthen the security of battery management systems used in electric vehicles.
The government has also urged users and manufacturers to adopt secure digital practices and ensure that battery management systems are protected against unauthorized Bluetooth access.(GNS)
