Silent No More: India Mandates Artificial Sound for Electric Cars Starting October 2026

In a major move to enhance road safety, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has announced that all electric four wheelers in India will be required to emit an artificial sound starting October 2026.

The mandate, aimed at protecting pedestrians who often fail to hear the near silent approach of electric vehicles (EVs), was confirmed by ARAI Director Reji Mathai ahead of the 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026).

What is the New EV Sound Mandate?

According to the new regulation, all electric four wheelers must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will automatically produce a sound when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, specifically 0-20 km/h.

"The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) will be mandatory for all electric four wheelers travelling at 0-20 km/h to improve pedestrian safety," stated Reji Mathai at a press conference in Pune.

Why is AVAS Necessary?

Electric engines are notoriously quiet compared to internal combustion engines (ICE). While this reduces noise pollution, it poses a significant risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and the visually impaired who rely on auditory cues to detect approaching traffic. The artificial sound will alert road users of an EV's presence without causing excessive disturbance.

Future Regulations: 2 Wheelers and Emissions

The ARAI director also outlined the roadmap for future automotive regulations in India:

• Two & Three Wheelers: Discussions are currently underway to extend the AVAS mandate to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The focus is on developing a sound that is distinct enough to be a warning but not annoying to the public.

• Bharat NCAP Phase 2: The second phase of India's car safety rating system, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), is expected to come into force by 2027.

• BS-VII Norms: Upcoming Bharat Stage VII emission norms will shift focus from tailpipe emissions (which are already stringent) to non-exhaust emissions. This includes regulating particulate matter generated from tyre and brake wear.

• Pollution Inventory: ARAI is currently developing a comprehensive pollution emissions inventory for Delhi and other major Indian cities to better track environmental impact.

About SIAT 2026

The announcement comes as Pune gears up for the 19th SIAT, scheduled from January 27 to 30, 2026, at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event, expected to be the largest so far according to ARAI Senior Deputy Director NH Walke, will feature discussions on advanced automotive technologies, including safety systems like AVAS.