The Central government has ordered the removal of three mobile applications allegedly being misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws and other battery-operated vehicles, following growing concerns over passenger safety and misuse of digital vehicle management tools, according to government sources.
The applications identified for removal are BAT-BMS, Lossigyand Epoch-i-ion. Sources said authorities have also directed that any other similar applications found to be facilitating such misuse will be blocked.
The move follows the circulation of several viral videos on social media in which individuals were seen approaching moving e-rickshaws and allegedly switching them off remotely using smartphone applications, leaving passengers and drivers stranded on public roads.
According to sources, the government acted after receiving inputs that these applications, originally designed for legitimate battery monitoring and management purposes, were allegedly being exploited to interfere with the functioning of electric vehicles without the driver’s knowledge or consent.
One of the applications, Lossigyreportedly allowed users to locate nearby compatible electric vehicles and disable them with a single command. The feature has raised serious concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in connected electric mobility systems and the potential risks posed to public safety.
Drivers operating battery-powered rickshaws said such vulnerabilities have existed for some time but gained widespread attention after videos demonstrating the misuse of these applications began circulating online. Many drivers expressed concern that the trend had encouraged copycat behaviour, increasing the risk of harassment, accidents and disruption to public transport services.
Government officials are also examining whether manufacturers of battery management systems have incorporated adequate cybersecurity safeguards to prevent unauthorised remote access to electric vehicles. Authorities are expected to engage with manufacturers and technology providers to strengthen digital security standards for connected mobility platforms.
The development comes as India witnesses rapid growth in electric mobility, particularly in the e-rickshaw segment, which serves as a critical mode of last-mile transportation across urban and semi-urban areas.
Officials indicated that the government’s priority is to ensure that technological features intended for maintenance and diagnostics are not misused in ways that compromise passenger safety or public order. Further regulatory action may follow if additional vulnerabilities are identified.
The latest crackdown underscores the Centre’s increasing focus on cybersecurity, digital consumer protection and the safe deployment of connected technologies in India’s expanding electric vehicle ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- The Centre has ordered the removal of BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion apps.
- The apps were allegedly being misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws.
- Viral videos highlighting the misuse prompted government action.
- Authorities are reviewing cybersecurity safeguards in battery management systems.
- More similar applications may be blocked if found to pose safety risks.
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