The Indian government is set to introduce a mandatory sound alert system for electric vehicles (EVs) from October 1, 2027, to improve road safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed that all new electric cars, buses, and trucks be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to help pedestrians and other road users detect the otherwise near-silent EVs.
What is AVAS?
- The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a safety mechanism that emits artificial sounds from EVs to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs operate almost silently, which increases the risk of accidents in crowded urban areas.
- By mandating AVAS, India joins countries like the United States, Japan, and the European Union, which have already required sound alert systems in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Implementation Timeline
- From October 1, 2026: All newly launched EV models must be fitted with AVAS.
- From October 1, 2027: AVAS will become mandatory for all existing models in production.
These systems must comply with AIS-173 standards regarding sound audibility, ensuring uniform safety benchmarks across manufacturers.
Vehicle Categories Covered
- Category M vehicles – Electric cars and buses designed for passenger transport.
- Category N vehicles – Electric trucks and goods carriers.
- This means both passenger and commercial EVs will be covered by the new safety regulation.
Why It Matters
- Enhanced Road Safety: Reduces risk of collisions, especially in congested cities where EVs can approach unnoticed.
- Global Alignment: Brings India in line with international EV safety norms.
- Public Confidence in EVs: Safer EVs will encourage adoption by reducing safety concerns among pedestrians.
Challenges Ahead
- Standardisation of Sound: Ensuring sounds are effective but not contributing to urban noise pollution.
- Implementation Costs: Automakers may face additional production costs.
- Public Awareness: Users and pedestrians must be made aware of the purpose of these artificial vehicle sounds.
Static Facts
- Regulating Authority: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
- Technology: Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)
- Standard: AIS-173 (Automotive Industry Standard for audibility)
- Timeline
- New models: October 1, 2026
- All models: October 1, 2027