India Proposes Mandatory Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System for EVs

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed making Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandatory for all electric cars, buses, and trucks, effective October 1, 2027, in a move aimed at enhancing road safety.

What Is AVAS?

AVAS is a safety feature in electric vehicles designed to emit an artificial sound, alerting pedestrians and other road users of the vehicle’s presence. Since electric vehicles are much quieter than conventional vehicles, this system helps prevent accidents, especially in busy urban areas.

Implementation Timeline

• New EV Models: All electric passenger and goods vehicles manufactured after October 2026 must come equipped with AVAS.
• Existing EV Models: Electrified vehicles already in production will need to comply by October 1, 2027.

Categories Covered

• Category M: Electric cars and buses used for passenger transport.
• Category N: Electric trucks and goods vehicles.

The draft notification specifies that AVAS must meet audibility requirements outlined in AIS-173, which will be updated periodically as needed.

Global Context

Countries like the United States, Japan, and some European Union nations have already mandated the use of AVAS in hybrid and electric vehicles. India’s move aligns with these international safety standards, ensuring EV adoption does not compromise pedestrian safety.

Why This Matters

With the rapid growth of EV adoption in India, AVAS will play a crucial role in preventing accidents, particularly for visually impaired pedestrians and those in crowded urban environments. This regulation demonstrates India’s commitment to safe and sustainable mobility while preparing for a cleaner automotive future.