Desk News : Voice of Calcutta

In a startling development, India’s growing fleet of electric rickshaws has come under a new kind of threat—remote shutdowns triggered through mobile applications. What initially appeared to be random technical failures has now evolved into a serious cybersecurity concern, raising questions about the safety of electric vehicles on public roads.

The central government has reportedly directed the removal of three Chinese battery management applications—BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch Li-ion—from app stores. These apps, originally designed to monitor lithium battery performance such as voltage and temperature, are now under scrutiny for allegedly enabling users to remotely disconnect power from compatible battery systems.

The issue came to light after several videos surfaced on social media, showing e-rickshaws suddenly stopping mid-journey. In many cases, drivers were left stranded in the middle of busy roads with passengers onboard. Investigations suggest that these disruptions may have been caused by unauthorized access via Bluetooth-enabled battery systems, often protected by weak or default passwords.

Experts point out that many low-cost battery management systems lack robust cybersecurity features, making them vulnerable to misuse. Within a short range—typically 10 to 15 meters—unauthorized users can potentially connect to the battery system and execute commands, including shutting it down completely.

The situation has sparked panic among e-rickshaw drivers, many of whom rely on these vehicles for their daily livelihood. Instances of drivers being forced to push their vehicles for long distances have further highlighted the severity of the issue. Beyond inconvenience, such incidents also pose significant risks to road safety and traffic flow.

While the government’s decision to remove the apps marks a quick response, cybersecurity experts warn that this alone may not be sufficient. These applications can still be accessed through alternative means such as VPNs. Legal experts emphasize that such acts fall under cybercrime, and strict enforcement of existing laws is necessary to deter misuse.

The incident raises broader concerns about the rapid adoption of digital and electric technologies without adequate security safeguards. As India moves towards a more electrified and connected transportation system, ensuring cybersecurity will be critical.

What this episode clearly demonstrates is that the risks of the digital age are no longer confined to the virtual world—they are now unfolding on real roads, affecting real people. The question remains: is the system prepared to handle this emerging threat?

Desk News : Voice of Calcutta