India has blocked several EV-related apps over alleged misuse, putting automotive cybersecurity in focus as the government proposes stricter rules for connected vehicles.
Key points
- Government Orders Removal of BMS Apps
- Cybersecurity Moves to the Centre of Automotive Policy
- Why This Incident Matters
- Impact Extends Beyond Small EVs
- Industry Expected to Strengthen Digital Defences
The government of India has stopped people from using some applications that are connected to electric vehicles. This has made a lot of people talk about how to keep vehicles safe from cyber threats.
The government did this at a time when more and more vehicles are connected to the internet, which is making people worried about the safety of these vehicles because of problems with the software. The government took this action because some people were using mobile applications that control the battery of electric vehicles in the wrong way, which could affect how these electric vehicles work from a distance. While the reported cases primarily involved electric rickshaws and low-speed EVs, the incident has highlighted a much larger challenge facing the automotive industry as vehicles become more connected.
Government Orders Removal of BMS Apps
Table of Contents
| 1. Government Orders Removal of BMS Apps |
| 2. Cybersecurity Moves to the Centre of Automotive Policy |
| 3. Why This Incident Matters |
| 4. Impact Extends Beyond Small EVs |
| 5. Industry Expected to Strengthen Digital Defences |
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The government wants app stores to stop people from getting some battery management system applications. They are doing this because they think these applications could be used to mess with how vehicles work.
People have been using these applications in a way that the government is looking into how vehicles that are connected to the internet talk to mobile applications. They want to see if they need to make some changes to keep people from getting into these systems when they are not supposed to.
The government is trying to deal with problems related to cybersecurity before they become issues with electric mini trucks and other vehicles. They are doing this to make sure that electric vehicles are safe to use.
Cybersecurity Moves to the Centre of Automotive Policy
Interestingly, the app block comes just days after India proposed draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules that would make cybersecurity a formal part of vehicle regulation.
The proposal would require eligible connected vehicles to meet cybersecurity and software update management standards during the approval process. Instead of treating software security as an optional feature, the draft framework places it alongside traditional vehicle safety requirements.
If implemented, manufacturers would be expected to establish dedicated Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) and Software Update Management Systems (SUMS) for connected vehicles.
Why This Incident Matters
Modern vehicles are no longer controlled only by mechanical components. Many functions now depend on software, electronic control units, wireless communication and smartphone connectivity. That convenience also creates new risks. If connected systems are not adequately protected, unauthorized access could potentially affect vehicle functions. Although the recent reports involved a limited category of electric vehicles, the underlying cybersecurity challenge applies to the wider connected vehicle industry. As more vehicles receive over-the-air software updates and cloud-based features, digital security is becoming just as important as physical safety.
Impact Extends Beyond Small EVs
The problems that were reported were about two-wheelers and electric rickshaws. Experts think electric two-wheelers and electric rickshaws are not the only things that have problems.
Today we have a lot of things that are connected and can move people around like passenger cars, electric trucks and commercial vehicles. We also have transport fleets. All of these things use software to check how they are working, to figure out what is wrong with them and to get help from afar.
More and more things are becoming connected the people who make these things will probably try harder to make sure the software is safe. They will want to make sure that the way the software is built is secure that the communication is encrypted and that only the right people can use the systems. This will help reduce the risk of cyber problems, with two-wheelers, electric rickshaws, passenger cars, commercial vehicles and public transport fleets.
Industry Expected to Strengthen Digital Defences
The government's latest action sends a clear message that cybersecurity is becoming an important part of India's automotive policy. For vehicle manufacturers, software developers and technology suppliers, protecting connected vehicles will require continuous monitoring rather than one-time security checks. Future passenger vehicles like electric buses are expected to be designed with stronger cybersecurity measures built into both the hardware and software from the beginning.
With connected and software-defined vehicles becoming more common on Indian roads, industry attention is now shifting from simply adding digital features to ensuring those features remain secure throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles
Q1. Why did the government block certain EV apps?
Ans. The apps were reportedly alleged to have been misused to remotely interfere with the functioning of some electric vehicles, prompting authorities to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
Q2. Which vehicles were reportedly affected?
Ans. The reported incidents mainly involved electric rickshaws and low-speed electric two-wheelers, although the broader cybersecurity concerns extend to connected vehicles across the automotive industry.
Q3. What are the proposed cybersecurity rules for connected vehicles?
Ans. The draft rules propose mandatory Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) and Software Update Management Systems (SUMS) for eligible connected vehicles during the approval process.
Q4. Why is vehicle cybersecurity becoming more important?
Ans. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on software, wireless connectivity and over-the-air updates, making strong cybersecurity essential to protect vehicle systems from unauthorized digital access.
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