Govt asks Google, Apple to remove apps that can shut down e-rickshaw batteries

Published 3 July 2026 · tech

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Google and Apple, asking them to remove seven applications from their Android and

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Google and Apple, asking them to remove seven applications from their Android and iOS app stores over their alleged misuse in remotely disabling batteries used in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, sources told India Today. According to the sources, the apps were allegedly being used to remotely shut down vehicle batteries, disrupting the operation of e-rickshaws and other EVs. The government has raised concerns that such applications could be misused to immobilise vehicles without the knowledge or consent of users. Read Full Story The notices have been sent to both Google and Apple, directing them to delist the identified applications from their respective app stores. Sources said the action is aimed at preventing the misuse of software that can interfere with the functioning of electric vehicle batteries and pose risks to vehicle owners and operators.

There was no immediate response from Google or Apple on the notices. BAT-BMS MISUSED FOR EXTORTION The government's decision traces its origins to the BAT-BMS application, a legitimate Battery Management System (BMS) monitoring app developed by Chinese company Shenzhen Grenergy Technology. Designed to help users monitor Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries, the app displays information such as battery charge, voltage, current, temperature, charging cycles and the health of individual battery cells. It also allows users to control charging and discharging functions on compatible batteries. However, concerns over its alleged misuse to remotely disable batteries in certain e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles prompted the government's action against the app and similar applications. The concern surrounding the BAT-BMS app is not about its intended purpose, but its alleged misuse. Developed as a Battery Management System (BMS) monitoring application, BAT-BMS is designed to help users monitor and manage compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries.

According to explanations shared by Grok with users on X, some low-cost lithium battery packs used in Indian e-rickshaws are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled BMS units that have weak or no password protection. If left unsecured, a person standing within Bluetooth range - typically around 10 to 15 metres - could potentially connect to the battery and disable its discharge function, cutting power to the vehicle's motor and bringing it to a halt. CAN IT CONTROL ANY E-RICKSHAW? However, experts caution that the app cannot connect to every electric vehicle. BAT-BMS works only with batteries that have a compatible Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management System. Many e-rickshaws continue to use conventional lead-acid batteries, which do not support Bluetooth connectivity. Even among lithium-powered vehicles, several manufacturers use proprietary battery management systems that require dedicated applications, making them incompatible with BAT-BMS.