انڈیا: سڑک پر چلتے الیکٹرک رکشے کیوں بند ہونے لگے؟

As Indian roads witnessed a disturbing trend of electric rikshaws suddenly coming to a halt, concerns were raised over a glaring security flaw in low-cost electric vehicles. Videos of commuters using a Chinese app to remotely disable the power of these vehicles while they are in motion have gone viral, sparking widespread panic.

Background & Context

The issue revolves around a feature in the BAT-BMS app, developed by Chinese firm Shenzhen Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. The 'Discharge Switch' feature is designed to safely disconnect power from the vehicle before maintenance, but it is being misused to remotely shut down electric rikshaws while they are in operation.

As these vehicles are widely used in India for public transportation, the security flaw has significant implications for commuters, drivers, and road safety in general. The trend has been dubbed 'Tere Control,' a colloquial term used in some Indian regions to refer to the use of these vehicles.

Key Details

Several videos have surfaced on social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and X, showing individuals using the app to disable the power of electric rikshaws while they are in motion. The videos depict people approaching the rikshaws, opening the app, pairing their smartphone with the vehicle's battery management system via Bluetooth, and then activating the discharge switch to shut down the vehicle.

In some videos, drivers can be seen struggling to restart their vehicles, with some individuals offering to help them for a fee, ranging from 100 to 200 Indian rupees. The issue is further complicated by the fact that many drivers do not own smartphones or have the technical knowledge to reset the Bluetooth settings, and some battery management units are set to Chinese language settings.

What Experts Say

Experts warn that this trend poses a real safety risk for drivers, passengers, and other road users. They point out that the app can be used to disable any electric rikshaw with a non-secured battery management system, which is a common feature in many low-cost electric vehicles used in India. This vulnerability allows anyone within a 10-15 meter radius to connect to the vehicle's system and shut down the power.

Key Takeaways

• The BAT-BMS app's 'Discharge Switch' feature is being misused to remotely disable electric rikshaws while they are in motion.
• Low-cost electric vehicles with non-secured battery management systems are vulnerable to this exploit.
• The issue poses a real safety risk for drivers, passengers, and other road users.
• Experts warn that this trend can have serious implications for road safety in India.

What This Means For You

For everyday commuters in India, this trend highlights the importance of being aware of the potential risks associated with using low-cost electric vehicles. It also underscores the need for manufacturers and regulatory bodies to prioritize the security and safety of these vehicles.

As the trend continues to spread, it is essential for drivers, passengers, and other road users to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can ensure that our roads remain safe and secure for everyone.