The Central government has directed Google and Apple to remove several battery management applications from their respective app stores after authorities found they were allegedly being misused to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles, including e-rickshaws.

According to government sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices seeking the removal of applications such as BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion. Officials said any other similar apps found to be facilitating such misuse could also face restrictions.

The action follows reports and online videos showing individuals using these applications to connect to electric vehicle batteries through Bluetooth and remotely switch them off. Such incidents reportedly left e-rickshaw drivers and passengers stranded, while also creating potential road safety hazards if vehicles stopped unexpectedly in traffic.

Authorities believe the applications were originally developed by Chinese companies for legitimate battery monitoring and management purposes. However, investigators found that weak security features in some low-cost electric vehicle battery systems allegedly allowed unauthorised users to access and control them.

Government officials have treated the alleged misuse as a serious cybersecurity and public safety issue. Investigations have been initiated to determine the extent of the problem and identify those responsible for exploiting the applications.

Officials have also urged manufacturers of electric vehicles and battery systems to strengthen software security by introducing better authentication mechanisms and other safeguards to prevent unauthorised access.

The move comes as India's electric mobility sector continues to expand rapidly, with e-rickshaws becoming a key mode of transport in cities and towns. Authorities say improving cybersecurity standards will be essential to ensure the safety and reliability of connected electric vehicles as their numbers continue to grow.