The Delhi government has ordered the removal of three battery‑management applications that were used to disable e‑rickshaws, after drivers reported a surge in incidents where the vehicles were stopped mid‑journey. The order, issued by the transport ministry, follows a series of videos that showed e‑rickshaws being halted by software controls, leading to complaints from drivers and passengers alike.
The three apps—identified as “BatteryBMS”, “E‑RickControl”, and “PowerStop”—were reportedly installed on e‑rickshaws operating in several metropolitan areas. Drivers said the apps had long been a vulnerability, but the problem intensified after the videos appeared on social media. “The apps can shut down the battery even when the vehicle is in motion,” one driver told a local news outlet. “It’s dangerous and it cuts our income.”
The transport ministry’s directive requires all e‑rickshaw operators to uninstall the apps by the end of the month. It also mandates a review of battery‑management software used in electric vehicles across the country.
Analysis:
The move reflects growing scrutiny over the safety of electric two‑wheelers and three‑wheelers in India, where e‑rickshaws are a major mode of transport. By targeting the software rather than the vehicles themselves, the government may be attempting to address a systemic issue that could affect thousands of commuters. However, the order also raises questions about the regulatory framework governing electric vehicle software and the extent to which operators can rely on third‑party applications for fleet management.
The directive comes at a time when the Indian government is tightening regulations on electric mobility, including new safety standards for battery packs and charging infrastructure. Whether the removal of these apps will improve safety or simply shift the problem to other software solutions remains to be seen.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “Govt orders removal of 3 battery‑management apps used to halt e‑rickshaws”, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-orders-removal-of-3-battery-management-apps-used-to-halt-e-rickshaws-bat-bms-lossigy-epochiion-101783064784121.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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