UPSC Notes

Cybersecurity in Electric Vehicles and IoT Devices

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of technology, its societal impact, and the regulatory challenges in sectors like transportation and energy. It links directly to national security, public safety, and the development of critical infrastructure in the digital age.

Cybersecurity in the context of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices refers to the protection of these connected systems from unauthorized access, manipulation, or disruption. As EVs become increasingly integrated with digital technologies, including sophisticated Battery Management Systems (BMS), ensuring their cybersecurity is critical to prevent operational failures, data breaches, and safety hazards.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Vulnerability Exploited

Remote disabling of e-rickshaw batteries via mobile apps, exploiting vulnerabilities in Battery Management Systems (BMS) of Lithium-ion batteries.

Regulatory Gap

Current e-rickshaw testing and certification standards lack specific cybersecurity requirements.

Impact

Leads to public safety risks, operational disruption, and potential for criminal misuse in connected vehicles.

Government Action

Union government ordered blocking of identified malicious battery management apps.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaCybersecurity
Conceptual areaElectric Vehicles (EVs)
Conceptual areaInternet of Things (IoT)

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)Regulates
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)Regulates
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Remote disabling of e-rickshaw batteries via apps.
  • Vulnerability in Battery Management Systems (BMS).
  • Absence of cybersecurity standards in EV certification.
  • Risks: public safety, extortion, operational disruption.
  • Government action: blocking of malicious apps.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

CybersecurityElectric Vehicles (EVs)Internet of Things (IoT)

Centre orders blocking of battery management apps used to turn off e-rickshaws

04 Jul 2026 · The incident of e-rickshaws being remotely disabled via apps underscores critical cybersecurity gaps in EV and IoT device regulation, particularly concerning Battery Management Systems, leading to safety risks and criminal exploitation.

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Related topics

Current topic

Cybersecurity in Electric Vehicles and IoT Devices

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Cybersecurity in Electric Vehicles and IoT Devices in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.