Govt orders removal of 3 battery management apps used to halt e-rickshaws: Sources

Centre cracks down on battery apps allegedly used to immobilise e-rickshaws

The Central government has ordered the removal of three battery management applications that were allegedly being used to remotely disable electric rickshaws, official sources said. The action comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of digital tools that can prevent e-rickshaws from operating, particularly in cases involving loan repayment disputes.

According to sources, the applications were originally developed to monitor battery performance, track charging cycles and provide maintenance-related information. However, authorities found that the software's remote control capabilities were allegedly being used to lock or disable vehicles when owners defaulted on loan repayments or subscription dues.

The issue has drawn the attention of multiple government agencies after complaints from e-rickshaw drivers and transport stakeholders, who argued that sudden vehicle immobilisation deprived them of their daily earnings without adequate notice or grievance redressal.

Officials familiar with the matter said the government viewed the practice as detrimental to the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who depend on e-rickshaws for income. The reported directive seeks to prevent the misuse of technology while ensuring that legitimate battery monitoring functions are not exploited for coercive recovery practices.

The removal order is also expected to prompt greater scrutiny of software embedded in electric vehicle ecosystems. Authorities are examining whether similar applications used in other EV segments include remote disabling features that could affect consumers without sufficient regulatory safeguards.

India's electric mobility sector has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, with e-rickshaws emerging as one of the country's largest categories of electric vehicles. Affordable operating costs and government incentives have accelerated adoption, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

However, the expansion of app-based battery management systems has also raised questions about consumer rights, data privacy and the extent of control manufacturers, battery suppliers and financing companies should have over vehicles after purchase.

Industry experts believe the latest action could lead to clearer regulatory guidelines governing connected vehicle technologies, particularly features that allow remote access, monitoring or immobilisation. Such measures could help strike a balance between protecting lenders' interests and safeguarding the livelihoods of vehicle owners.

The government has not yet officially disclosed the names of the three applications or issued a detailed public statement on the directive. Further clarity is expected once the concerned ministries and regulatory authorities release formal guidelines.