BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion: Govt Cracks down on Chinese Battery Apps after Videos Show E-rickshaws Remotely Disabled

Moneylife Digital Team 03 July 2026

Investor Interest

The Indian government has ordered the removal of three Chinese mobile applications, including BAT-BMS, from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store following concerns that they could be misused to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles, particularly e-rickshaws, posing serious cybersecurity and passenger safety risks.

According to media reports, the Union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has directed the app stores to remove the Chinese applications BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion after videos circulated on social media allegedly showed individuals remotely switching off e-rickshaws using the BAT-BMS app.

The move comes after the videos triggered widespread concern over the vulnerability of battery management systems (BMS) used in low-cost electric vehicles and the potential risks associated with internet-connected vehicle technologies.

Videos Spark Cybersecurity Concerns

The controversy gained attention after several videos surfaced online allegedly showing users connecting to nearby e-rickshaws through Bluetooth using the BAT-BMS application and remotely disabling their battery systems, in some instances while the vehicles were moving.

सोशल मीडिया पर इस वक्त व्यूज बटोरने के लिए एक बेहद खतरनाक और घटिया ट्रेंड चल रहा है।

'BAT-BMS' नाम के एक ब्लूटूथ ऐप के जरिए कुछ लड़के सड़क पर चलते हुए ई-रिक्शा चालकों की गाड़ी को दूर से ही बंद कर दे रहे हैं और इसे prank का नाम दे रहे हैं।

इसका सबसे बड़ा नुकसान उन गरीब चालकों… pic.twitter.com/ZSx5Xg01yW
— Anurag Chaddha (@AnuragChaddha) July 2, 2026

⚠️सूचनाार्थ:तकनीकी छेड़छाड़ का वायरल वीडियो
आदरणीय @Uppolice @CyberCellUP
अज्ञात ऐप/डिवाइस के जरिए चलती मिनी मेट्रो को बंद करने के वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर काफ़ी सामने आ रहे है सार्वजनिक सुरक्षा और इस नई तकनीकी समस्या की सूचना आपके संज्ञान में लाने के लिए यह पोस्ट साझा की जा रही है pic.twitter.com/A1eaD9B6hj
— Sambhal_Seva_Surakhsa (@Sambhal_Voice) July 2, 2026

The incidents raised questions about both passenger safety and the cybersecurity of battery management systems deployed in thousands of electric rickshaws and electric two-wheelers across India.

According to reports, MeitY took cognisance of the issue after the videos went viral and initiated action to restrict public access to the applications. The government is also examining the wider cybersecurity implications of vulnerabilities in connected battery systems and assessing additional safeguards for electric vehicles.

How the App Works

BAT-BMS, developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, is designed as a companion application for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries.

The application allows battery owners to monitor key battery parameters, including voltage, current, temperature, charging cycles and battery health. It also provides controls for battery discharge functions.

However, reports indicate that many battery management systems fitted in e-rickshaws and electric two-wheelers sold in India are shipped without password protection or continue to use factory-default credentials.

As a result, anyone within Bluetooth range—typically about 10mtr (meters) to 15mtrs—could potentially pair with the battery management system without the owner's knowledge and, in some cases, remotely disconnect power.

Cybersecurity experts have long warned that default passwords and unsecured Bluetooth-enabled devices present significant risks, particularly when deployed in critical transport infrastructure.

Delhi Govt Begins Verification

According to media reports, Delhi transport minister Pankaj Singh said that although the department had not received any formal written complaints, members of the public had brought the matter to his attention.

The minister said the transport department has been directed to verify the authenticity of the BAT-BMS application and examine the claims regarding its alleged misuse.

Influencer Highlights Alleged Misuse

The issue gained further traction after a video shared by influencer Amaan Siddiqui showed him allegedly using the BAT-BMS application to connect to an e-rickshaw.

In a video posted on the social media platform X by news agency ANI, Mr Siddiqui claimed he became suspicious after seeing one e-rickshaw towing another. He said he attempted to connect his phone to the stalled vehicle using the application and, after successfully pairing it, asked the driver to stop before restoring power.

#WATCH | Delhi: A smartphone app named BAT-BMS is being used by people to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws through a Bluetooth connection.

Speaking on a video by him, allegedly showing individuals using the mobile app to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws, influencer Amaan… pic.twitter.com/xqCURbwbPx
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2026

According to Mr Siddiqui, the driver told him the vehicle had remained stranded for an entire day, causing him to lose a day's earnings because he had rented the e-rickshaw.

"What is being done by people is wrong," Mr Siddiqui said in the video, expressing concern over the alleged misuse of the application.

Wider Implications

The government's action reflects growing concern over the cybersecurity of connected electric vehicle components, particularly as India witnesses’ rapid adoption of electric mobility.

The reported vulnerabilities highlight the importance of securing battery management systems with strong authentication, unique passwords and encrypted communications to prevent unauthorised access.

The removal of the three Chinese applications marks one of the first instances in which authorities have acted against consumer software over concerns that it could be exploited to interfere with the operation of electric vehicles.

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