These days, many such videos are going viral on social media, in which people on the road suddenly stop the e-rickshaw running on the road using their smartphones. behind this whole game 'BAT-BMS' There is a mobile application named, which cuts off the electricity of moving vehicles in a few seconds. At first glance, this may seem like some magical hacking or a miracle of modern technology, but in reality this is a very serious and dangerous lapse in the safety of vehicles.
This is not just an internet prank, but an irresponsible act inviting a major accident on Indian roads. Let us know how this app actually works, what are its legal and ethical aspects and how such digital hacking can be avoided. You will also know whether anyone can stop your electric car through such an app?
What is BAT-BMS app and how does it stop a rickshaw?
First of all, it is important to understand that 'BAT-BMS' (Battery Management System) is not a hacking tool or an un-ethical app. It has been created by the Chinese company Shenzhen Grenergy Technology and is legally available on Google Play Store. Let us know about this app-
- The real purpose of the app: This app is designed so that Lithium-ion battery owners can track their battery's health, voltage, temperature, charging cycle and current via Bluetooth.
- Battery discharge stop feature: There is a feature in the app with the help of which the user can turn on or off the discharge (power supply) function of the battery for security reasons.
- Advantage of weakness: The companies do not install any password or security lock in the Bluetooth-enabled BMS units that are being used in many cheap e-rickshaws and low-speed scooters running in the Indian market.
- Range of 10-15 meters: When a prankster opens this app, he starts seeing unsecured (without password) vehicles within a radius of 10 to 15 meters. As soon as he connects the rickshaw's battery to the app and turns off the 'Discharge' button, the power supplied to the motor is immediately cut off and the vehicle stops in the middle of the road.
Is this ethical or un-ethical?
This is completely un-ethical and illegal. Even if it is being used to make funny pranks or reels on social media, its consequences can be very fatal.
If an e-rickshaw or scooter stops suddenly at a busy intersection, flyover or in the middle of fast-moving traffic, it can be hit by vehicles coming from behind. This will pose a direct threat to the lives of the driver, passengers and other people walking on the road. Remotely controlling someone's property or vehicle without their consent can be considered a cyber crime.
Can electric cars also be stopped?
The biggest fear in the minds of the general public and EV owners is whether their expensive electric cars can also be stopped in the middle of the road in the same way? So the direct answer is – No, this cannot be done at all. Security is very good in electric cars.
They have automotive-grade cyber security and firewalls to access their electronic control system (ECU) and battery pack. Therefore, it is impossible to hack or shut down the car with a simple Bluetooth app.
How are low-speed electric scooters being stopped?
Like e-rickshaws, many low-speed electric scooters available in the market are also becoming victims of this prank. To keep costs low, very cheap and generic Chinese lithium battery packs are used in these scooters. Bluetooth is provided in the smart BMS of these batteries, but their safety settings are left open. Pranksters come behind or beside these scooters and connect to their BMS through the app and switch off the power supply of the moving scooter.
Ways to avoid this digital prank and hacking
If you are an e-rickshaw driver or have a scooter with lithium battery with Bluetooth, then you can keep yourself safe in these ways-
Change BMS password: The first and most important thing to do is to download the official app of your battery and go to its Bluetooth settings and change the default password (like 1234 or 0000) and set a strong password.
Turn off Bluetooth visibility: Turn off Bluetooth broadcast or visibility of the battery, if your BMS app has the option. 'Hidden' Mode, so that they are not visible on any unknown phone.
Mechanical Bypass/Switch: If your vehicle is repeatedly shutting down, then go to a good mechanic or dealer and get the Bluetooth module of the battery disabled until the company provides a security update.
Register complaint: If someone is caught doing this with you on the middle of the road, then immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell, because this is a matter of playing with road safety.