By Admin 
These days, there is a lot of discussion about a mobile app named BAT-BMS on social media platform X and many other platforms. It is being claimed in many viral videos that with the help of this app, the battery of an e-rickshaw can be switched off remotely while moving. After these videos surfaced, concern has increased among e-rickshaw drivers. Cyber and technical experts are considering this as a serious issue from security point of view.
Experts say that not every e-rickshaw can be affected in this way. But if the battery management system installed in an e-rickshaw is not secure and Bluetooth access is open without a password, then technically an unauthorized connection can be attempted.
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This is the reason why after the video going viral on social media, the question has started arising whether someone’s e-rickshaw can be stopped suddenly while moving on the road. At present, the viral claims in this regard have not been officially confirmed, but experts say that carelessness in security can definitely increase the risk.
What is BAT-BMS App and its real working?
BAT-BMS is not a hacking app. It is basically designed to monitor the battery management system of lithium-ion batteries. Through this app, battery voltage, current, charging percentage, temperature, battery health and other technical information can be seen in real time.
Apart from this, the objective of this app is to maintain better battery performance, protect it from overheating and monitor the charging system. That is, under normal circumstances it is a technical monitoring tool.
Then how can it be misused?
According to technical experts, Bluetooth based BMS is installed in many e-rickshaws. If the dealer or manufacturer does not set up its security settings properly and the system is left without a password, someone nearby may try to connect to it.
Some BMS systems also have features to temporarily disconnect or cut-off the battery. Such features are provided for servicing or technical needs. But if any unauthorized person succeeds in using them, it may cause the vehicle to stop suddenly.
However, this does not apply to every e-rickshaw. It entirely depends on how secure the concerned BMS is and what features are present in it.
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How big a danger can this issue become on the road?
If an e-rickshaw suddenly stops in the middle of the road, it can have a direct impact on the safety of the driver and passengers. Vehicles coming from behind may collide or a traffic jam-like situation may arise.
Experts say that it would be a big mistake to consider any such action as a joke or prank. If the technical system of a vehicle is tampered with, it can have serious consequences.
What did the cyber expert say?
Senior cyber expert Pawan Duggal says that the real purpose of an app like BAT-BMS is to monitor the battery system. But if a person uses it to enter or control someone else’s e-rickshaw without permission, then it will be considered a cyber crime.
According to him, under Indian law, entering any computer system or its connected network without permission comes under the category of crime. If any person deliberately tampers with the BMS of an e-rickshaw, then legal action can be taken against him. In such cases, jail term up to 3 years and fine up to Rs 5 lakh can be imposed.
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According to tech content creator Abhishek Bhatnagar, BMS of Chinese companies are installed in many e-rickshaws present in the market, which can be connected to the mobile app. These systems have the facility to set a password, but sometimes due to convenience or carelessness, they are left without security.
He says that if Bluetooth based BMS is open, then any person can try to connect to it. Therefore, the most important thing is to strengthen the security settings of the BMS.
Is it illegal to use BAT-BMS app?
The mere existence of an app does not make it illegal. As long as the government does not ban an app, it can be used for its authorized purpose.
But if a person uses the same app to interfere in someone else’s vehicle, battery system or network without permission, then it will be a violation of the law and action can be taken against him.
Dealers and companies also have a big responsibility
Experts believe that not every e-rickshaw driver has technical knowledge. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to put the responsibility of safety solely on the driver. Dealers and manufacturers selling e-rickshaws should implement strong passwords, secure Bluetooth settings and other security measures in the BMS before delivery of the vehicle.
Besides, the concerned agencies also need to issue guidelines in this direction so that any kind of technical glitch or misuse can be avoided in future.
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What should e-rickshaw owners do?
Experts recommend that e-rickshaw owners should check the security settings of their vehicle’s BMS. If a Bluetooth based system is installed, then set a strong password on it and use only authorized apps.
Also, do not give any unknown person access to the battery system of your vehicle. Technology is made for convenience, but a little carelessness in security can become a big threat. Therefore, taking precautions in time is considered to be the best solution.