The Indian government has reportedly moved to remove mobile applications that are allegedly being used to remotely disable electric vehicles, including e-rickshaws. The development comes after growing concern among drivers and passengers over claims that certain battery-management apps can be misused to interfere with electric vehicle systems without the owner’s permission.
According to reports, the issue gained attention after videos and online posts showed claims of e-rickshaws suddenly stopping on roads. In several viral clips, users alleged that mobile applications linked to Battery Management Systems, or BMS, could connect with some electric vehicle batteries and cause the vehicle to shut down. The government has now reportedly asked for action against such apps as authorities examine the possible safety and cybersecurity risks.
The matter is important because e-rickshaws are not just vehicles for many people in India. They are a daily source of income. Lakhs of drivers depend on them to earn money for food, rent, school fees and household expenses. If a vehicle stops suddenly because of unauthorized access, it can create a direct financial loss for the driver and also put passengers in danger.
Why the Issue Has Become Serious
Electric vehicles depend heavily on software, battery systems and electronic controllers. A Battery Management System monitors important functions such as charging, battery temperature, voltage, power flow and overall battery health.
In many electric vehicles, especially low-cost models, some battery systems may use Bluetooth connectivity or mobile applications for monitoring. This can be useful for vehicle owners and mechanics because they can check battery information through a phone.
But if such systems are not properly secured, they may become vulnerable to misuse.
The concern is that an unknown person could potentially connect to a nearby battery system and interfere with it. Even if the number of affected vehicles is small, the possibility has raised questions about whether electric vehicle companies are doing enough to protect drivers from unauthorized access.
E-Rickshaw Drivers Fear Loss of Income
For an e-rickshaw driver, a sudden shutdown can mean much more than a technical problem.
Many drivers work from morning until late evening and earn money based on the number of passengers they carry. If the vehicle stops in the middle of the day, the driver may lose several hours of income. In some cases, they may also have to pay for a mechanic, battery inspection or repair.
A driver who rents an e-rickshaw or battery may still have to pay daily charges even if the vehicle remains unusable. This creates extra pressure on families already managing rising fuel, food and electricity costs.
Drivers say that if someone intentionally shuts down their vehicle for fun, social media views or online content, it should be treated as a serious offence.
Passenger Safety Also at Risk
The issue is not limited to drivers. Passengers can also face danger if an e-rickshaw suddenly stops in traffic.
An e-rickshaw may be carrying school children, elderly people, women, office workers or patients travelling to a hospital. If the vehicle stops in the middle of a busy road, it can cause traffic jams and increase the risk of an accident.
In crowded markets, near railway stations or on narrow roads, drivers may have no safe place to move the vehicle. They may be forced to push the e-rickshaw through traffic while passengers wait on the roadside.
During rain, extreme heat or late-night hours, the situation can become even more difficult.
This is why the government’s reported move to remove such apps is being seen as an important step.
Technology Must Be Secure
Electric vehicles are becoming more common across India. E-rickshaws, electric scooters, electric bikes and electric cars are all part of the country’s push toward cleaner transport.
However, as vehicles become smarter, they also become more dependent on digital systems. This means cybersecurity is becoming just as important as brakes, tyres and batteries.
Vehicle makers need to ensure that only the owner, an authorized service centre or a trained technician can access battery settings. Systems should have strong passwords, encrypted connections and unique device pairing.
Bluetooth connections should not remain open for anyone nearby to access. Apps should also require secure login systems and should not allow unknown users to control important vehicle functions.
Authorities Need Technical Investigation
The government’s action should be followed by a detailed technical investigation.
Authorities need to identify which apps are involved, which battery systems may be vulnerable and whether any drivers have actually suffered vehicle shutdowns because of unauthorized access.
Cybercrime teams, transport departments, app stores and electric vehicle manufacturers may need to work together. If a security flaw is found, companies should release software updates or replace weak systems.
It is also important to separate real technical risks from exaggerated viral claims. Not every e-rickshaw can be controlled through a mobile app, and not every sudden shutdown is caused by hacking. Battery failure, wiring problems, controller issues and charging faults can also cause vehicles to stop.
But if even a small number of vehicles can be remotely affected, the problem needs urgent attention.
Drivers Should Take Precautions
E-rickshaw drivers should avoid downloading unknown apps related to their battery or vehicle system. They should also avoid sharing Bluetooth access, passwords or battery details with strangers.
If a driver notices unusual battery behaviour, sudden power loss or unknown Bluetooth connections, they should contact an authorized service centre.
Drivers should not attempt to change technical settings without proper knowledge because battery systems can be sensitive and unsafe if handled incorrectly.
A Warning for India’s Electric Vehicle Future
India is moving quickly toward electric mobility. E-rickshaws have become one of the biggest examples of affordable electric transport in the country.
But this latest issue shows that the future of electric vehicles cannot depend only on better batteries and charging stations. It must also include strong digital security.
The government’s reported action against apps allegedly used to remotely disable vehicles sends a clear message: technology should help drivers, not create new risks for them.
For millions of e-rickshaw drivers, their vehicle is not just a machine. It is their livelihood. Any attempt to interfere with it without permission can affect their income, passengers and public safety.