EVs in India to Get Noisy: MoRTH Mandates AVAS Pedestrian Warning Systems by 2026

In a significant move to bolster road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that all-electric vehicles in India will soon be required to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS).

This new mandate directly addresses the safety concerns posed by the silent operation of electric vehicles, which can make them difficult for pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired individuals to detect, especially at low speeds.

What is the New AVAS Rule for EVs?

The proposed rule will make the pedestrian warning system a mandatory fitment for electric vehicles falling under categories M (passenger vehicles) and N (goods carriers).

The implementation will be rolled out in two phases:

• From October 1, 2026: The rule will apply to all new models of electric vehicles manufactured.

• From October 1, 2027: The mandate will extend to all existing models currently in production.

This move aligns India with global safety standards, where similar systems are already mandatory in markets like Europe and the United States.

How Does the AVAS System Work?

An AVAS is designed to solve the "silent EV" problem. Here’s how it functions:

• Low-Speed Activation: The system automatically emits an artificial sound when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds (typically below 20 kmph) or when it is in reverse.

• Alerts Pedestrians: This sound, often mimicking a traditional engine or a futuristic hum, alerts nearby road users to the EV's presence and movement.

• Automatic Deactivation: Once the vehicle's speed exceeds 20 kmph, the system automatically switches off. At higher speeds, the noise generated by the tires on the road and wind resistance is considered sufficient to make the vehicle audible.

Which Vehicles are Included (and Excluded)?

The new AVAS mandate specifically targets Category M (passenger cars, buses) and Category N (goods carriers, trucks) electric vehicles.

However, in a notable exclusion, the current proposal does not apply to electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or e-rickshaws. This is significant, as these vehicles make up the largest portion of India's current EV fleet and also operate quietly in dense urban traffic. It is not yet clear if they will be included under the rule at a later date.