Viral videos circulating on social media have triggered fresh concerns about the security of electric vehicles after several people were seen remotely shutting down e-rickshaws using a mobile application. What some users are calling a prank has left many drivers stranded on busy roads, causing financial losses and traffic disruptions.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the cybersecurity risks associated with connected electric vehicles and the ethical implications of using such tools.
Entrepreneur Shares Driver’s Struggle
Mumbai-based entrepreneur Ritu Hathi, co-founder of performance hydration brand UP&RUN, shared an incident she witnessed on the road that highlighted the real-world impact of the viral trend.
According to her post on X (formerly Twitter), a major traffic jam occurred after an e-rickshaw suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The driver reportedly discovered that someone had remotely switched off the vehicle using the now-viral app.
She explained that the passengers eventually left the vehicle, forcing the driver to push the e-rickshaw to the roadside before dragging it to a nearby mechanic.
Hathi expressed sympathy for the driver, saying he not only lost a day’s earnings but also had to spend money on repairs. She questioned why anyone would find entertainment in disrupting the livelihood of someone working hard to support their family.
What Is the BAT-BMS App?
The application being discussed online is called BAT-BMS, developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, a China-based company.
The app is designed to communicate with the Battery Management System (BMS) installed in certain electric vehicles. One of its built-in features is a discharge switch, which allows mechanics or authorized technicians to safely disconnect battery power before performing maintenance or repairs.
However, social media users have reportedly discovered ways to misuse this function, remotely cutting power to compatible e-rickshaws while they are operating on public roads.
Growing Questions Over EV Security
The viral videos have exposed a major concern surrounding connected electric vehicles. If unauthorized users can access maintenance controls, it raises serious questions about software security, authentication systems, and remote access protections.
Cybersecurity experts have long warned that internet-connected vehicles require strong security measures to prevent unauthorized control over critical functions.
Debate Over the Viral Trend
Some individuals sharing these videos claim they are targeting e-rickshaw drivers because of traffic rule violations and reckless driving. However, many social media users argue that taking control of someone else’s vehicle is dangerous, illegal, and unfair to drivers who rely on daily earnings to support their families.
Many users have called for stricter security measures from manufacturers and better safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to electric vehicle systems.
Bigger Picture
E-rickshaws have become an important part of India’s last-mile transportation network, offering affordable mobility to millions of commuters. While concerns over traffic discipline remain, experts say exploiting technical vulnerabilities is not a solution.
The viral BAT-BMS incident has shifted attention toward improving the cybersecurity of electric vehicles and ensuring that maintenance tools cannot be misused against everyday drivers.
