App that shut down e-rickshaw banned, BAT-BMS app removed from Google Play Store, government action

On the instructions of the government, BAT BMS App, which shut down e-rickshaws, has been removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Under this action, two apps have been deleted. It is alleged that these apps were being used to stop the e-rickshaw remotely (through remote). This step has been taken in view of security and fear of possible misuse. Investigation and monitoring of the case will continue further.

Recently many videos and posts related to BAT BMS App have gone viral on social media. It was claimed that through this app, some people were shutting down the e-rickshaws remotely, due to which many drivers had to suffer financial loss. The matter took a serious turn after the incidents of sudden stoppage of e-rickshaws and increasing complaints from the drivers, after which the concerned authorities started investigating it.

What is BAT BMS App?

Many cheap e-rickshaws are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. There is a battery management system (BMS) inside these batteries, which monitors the condition of the battery. It tells you how much charge is left in the battery, whether it is getting too hot and whether there is any technical fault. In some cheap batteries, especially those made in China, Bluetooth facility is also provided with this BMS.

If no password or security lock is installed on this Bluetooth, then any person present nearby can connect to it through his mobile. Just like anyone can connect to passwordless Wi-Fi or open Bluetooth. The BAT-BMS app can access the battery system using this Bluetooth connection, which is considered a big risk from security point of view.

What is the range of Bluetooth connection?

According to the Economic Times report, in battery management systems (BMS) which do not have a security lock, the range of Bluetooth is usually 10 to 15 meters. This means that someone can try to connect to the battery system through Bluetooth from a vehicle or bike parked on the roadside or nearby. In such a situation, the e-rickshaw may stop suddenly and the driver may not even understand what problem has occurred in the rickshaw.

However, batteries of good and branded companies have strong security and encryption systems, so such risks are not considered on them. This risk is mostly seen in low-cost and aftermarket batteries, which are used in a large number of e-rickshaws.