E-rickshaw drivers across Delhi have reported major disruptions after individuals allegedly used Bluetooth-enabled battery management apps to remotely shut down their vehicles. The incidents have affected daily earnings, prompting the Union government to direct Apple and Google to remove several apps from their app stores while authorities investigate the matter.
Government Orders Removal of Battery Management Apps
On Friday, the Union government instructed Apple and Google to remove at least three battery management applications—BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch Li-ion—from their respective app stores following reports that they were being misused.
The move came after complaints that the apps were allegedly being used to connect to e-rickshaw battery management systems (BMS) and remotely disable vehicles.
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Drivers Report Frequent Vehicle Shutdowns
Over the past three days, e-rickshaw drivers in the national capital said unknown individuals were using Bluetooth-enabled mobile applications to access their vehicles’ battery management systems and switch off battery power. As a result, many vehicles came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road.
One affected driver, Kumar, said his e-rickshaw stopped three times on Friday despite restarting it earlier. The previous day, the vehicle had also shut down three times.
“I went home. What can you do when your vehicle stops three times in a day?” Kumar said.
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Daily Earnings Fall Sharply
The repeated interruptions have significantly affected drivers’ incomes.
Mukhiya Yadav (24), who operates his e-rickshaw between Chuna Mandi and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said his usual earnings have dropped considerably.
“I usually earn Rs 1,000 a day. After paying for charging and maintenance, I am left with about Rs 800.
But for the last two days, I have earned only Rs 600-700 because my vehicle was stopped four times each day,” he said.
Yadav also claimed that some individuals demanded money to restart stranded vehicles.
“While some people demanded Rs 200 to restart the vehicle, yesterday, one person even asked me for a beer,” he added.
By Friday, Yadav had installed the BAT-BMS application himself and began helping other stranded drivers restart their e-rickshaws.
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How the BAT-BMS App Works
The BAT-BMS application was originally developed by China’s Shenzhen Grenergy Technology as a legitimate battery management tool for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries.
The app allows users to monitor:
- Battery charge level
- Voltage
- Current
- Temperature
- Charging cycles
- Overall battery health
It connects wirelessly to compatible batteries through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) within an operating range of approximately 15 metres.
Security Concerns Over Battery Management Systems
The issue is linked to the security configuration of certain battery management systems used in low-cost electric vehicles.
A Battery Management System (BMS) serves as the electronic controller that monitors and protects lithium-ion battery packs by regulating charging, discharging, temperature, and cell balancing.
According to reports, the affected apps could connect to these systems within Bluetooth range and cut battery power, causing vehicles to stop unexpectedly.
Authorities Begin Investigation
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government was taking the matter seriously.
“This is a matter of security, and to ensure that people do not face inconvenience or distress, the government will certainly take appropriate action… The Transport department is also investigating and checking the matter,” Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, adding that Delhi Police was conducting an inquiry into it.
Drivers Allege Extortion Attempts
Several drivers alleged they were asked to pay money after their vehicles were remotely disabled.
Kishori Kumar Jha (55), who drives an e-rickshaw in West Delhi’s Ramesh Nagar, described the incidents as extortion.
“People in cars and young boys have been troubling us continuously for the last two days. After my e-rickshaw stopped yesterday, someone came up to me and demanded Rs 500 to restart it. This is extortion.”
Manufacturers Provide Assistance
Rajiv Tuli, General Secretary of the Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Society (EVMS), said complaints started arriving on Wednesday.
“We started receiving complaints from drivers across Delhi the day before yesterday. Manufacturing companies have set up helplines where stranded drivers can call and get assistance on how to restart their vehicle. Manufacturing companies have also made their own apps now which drivers can use,” he said.
Conclusion
The alleged misuse of Bluetooth-enabled battery management applications has disrupted the livelihoods of many Delhi e-rickshaw drivers, reducing daily earnings and raising security concerns. While the Union government has ordered the removal of the reported apps and authorities continue their investigation, manufacturers have introduced helplines and official applications to help affected drivers restore their vehicles.
