BAT-BMS App Controversy: A smartphone application called BAT-BMS has become one of the most discussed technology topics in India after viral videos showed people allegedly stopping moving e-rickshaws using nothing more than a mobile phone. The clips, which have spread rapidly across Instagram, X, YouTube and Reddit, have triggered concerns about whether electric vehicles can be remotely controlled or hacked.
However cybersecurity experts and reports indicate that the reality is more nuanced than the viral claims suggest. The issue isn’t that every electric vehicle can be hacked. More like it seems to be about particular Bluetooth enabled battery management systems, (BMS) that might have weak or even no authentication protection at all.
What Is BAT-BMS App Controversy?
BAT-BMS is a legitimate battery management application developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology Co., Ltd. It was created to help users monitor compatible smart lithium batteries equipped with Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management Systems.
According to the application’s official description, users can:
- Monitor battery charge percentage
- Check voltage and current
- View battery temperature
- Monitor battery health and cycle life
- View individual cell voltage
- Control charging and discharging functions on compatible batteries
The app communicates over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and typically operates within a range of approximately 10 to 15 metres, making it useful for battery owners to monitor their battery status without additional hardware.
Why Has BAT-BMS Gone Viral?
The controversy began after multiple videos surfaced online showing content creators approaching e-rickshaws and allegedly switching them off remotely.
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In several clips, drivers suddenly lose power while driving, leaving them confused as pranksters record their reactions. The trend has quickly become known on social media as the “tirri control” prank, referring to battery-operated e-rickshaws.
Is BAT-BMS Actually Hacking Vehicles?
Not exactly. Current evidence suggests BAT-BMS itself is not malware nor was it originally designed to hack vehicles.
Instead, the concern lies with poorly secured Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management Systems installed inside certain lithium battery packs.
Does It Work On Every E-Rickshaw?
No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions circulating online.
Reports indicate BAT-BMS only works if the vehicle uses a compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery with a supported Battery Management System.
Many Indian e-rickshaws still operate using conventional lead-acid batteries, which have no Bluetooth capability whatsoever.
Even among lithium-powered vehicles, manufacturers often use proprietary BMS software that requires their own dedicated applications, making BAT-BMS incompatible.
Some reports also state that certain batteries require a unique battery ID or pairing credentials before any connection can be established, meaning random nearby users cannot automatically access every vehicle.
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Can BAT-BMS Control Electric Scooters?
Only under very specific circumstances.
If an electric scooter uses:
- The same compatible Bluetooth-enabled battery
- The same BMS platform
- Lacks proper authentication
Most established EV manufacturers implement proprietary battery communication systems, encrypted software and additional authentication layers that prevent unauthorized access.
What About Electric Cars?
There is no evidence whatsoever that BAT-BMS can connect to or control mainstream electric cars.
Modern passenger EVs use:
- Encrypted communication protocols
- Secure electronic control units
- Manufacturer-specific Battery Management Systems
- Multiple cybersecurity protections
- Firmware authentication
- CAN bus security measures
- Cloud-based verification systems.
Unlike inexpensive aftermarket battery packs used in some low-cost electric vehicles, passenger EVs undergo extensive functional safety and cybersecurity testing.
At present, there are no verified reports showing BAT-BMS successfully controlling electric cars sold in India.
How Can EV Owners Protect Their Vehicles?
Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery owners can cut down on possible risks by doing a few things more or less consistently, like using only the official battery management applications, not some random scan tool. Also, set strong passwords where it is supported or otherwise available, and don’t forget to update the battery firmware regularly, because it can matter.
If Bluetooth isn’t needed, then disabling it can help too. Then make sure you are buying from reputable manufacturers, rather than chasing cheaper deals. Try to avoid low quality aftermarket battery packs with unknown security standards, those can be a bit of a gamble, even if they claim they are safe.
