AVAS Mandate Coming to Electric Vehicles in India, Boosting Pedestrian Safety

The Indian government is preparing to mandate acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) in electric vehicles to address safety concerns. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has put forth a proposal that requires all electric cars, buses, and trucks to incorporate AVAS starting October 1, 2027. The draft notification emphasizes the potential danger posed by the silent operation of EVs to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. The new rule will be implemented for new electric passenger (Category M) and goods (Category N) vehicle models beginning October 1, 2026. All existing EV models will need to comply by October 2027. The notification specifies that AVAS installations must adhere to the AIS-173 standards to guarantee the artificial sound emitted is consistent and safe. The AVAS system is designed to become active at speeds up to 20 km/h, where EVs often operate silently, making them inaudible to pedestrians. At higher speeds, the noise from tires and wind typically provides sufficient warning, removing the need for AVAS. This technology is crucial in urban settings to protect pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments. This move aligns with global safety standards, as several countries, including the United States, Japan, and the European Union, already mandate AVAS in EVs and hybrid vehicles. In addition to AVAS, MoRTH’s draft suggests removing the need for spare tires in vehicles with tubeless tires, applying to cars, three-wheelers, and quadricycles. Vehicle safety also relies on factors like crash protection, body structure, and battery safety. Among the safest Made-in-India EVs are Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV. Some EVs currently on the market feature AVAS.