Silent EVs Need To Make Noise - Indian Govt Mandates Acoustic Alert Systems From 2026

In a recent draft notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a mandate for electric vehicles to feature an acoustic alert system to increase pedestrian safety. While Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remain a high-end feature, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) would become mandatory in all new electric cars from October 1, 2026.

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The acoustic or AVAS systems are designed to emit a low-frequency noise to alert pedestrians nearby of an approaching EV at low speed. The mandate states that electric vehicles of category M and N will be required to be fitted with AVAS systems from October 1, 2026, in the case of brand new cars

and October 1, 2027, in the case of existing cars.

Audibility of such an acoustic alert system has been standardised to meet AIS-173 audibility requirements. The mandate applies to four-wheelers carrying both passengers and goods. Interestingly, the mandate does not apply to electric two-wheelers such as motorcycles and scooters.

India will not be the first country to mandate AVAS systems in EVs for pedestrian safety. The acoustic alert systems are also mandatory in other countries such as Japan, Europe and even the US. These systems reduce the risk of accidental pedestrian injury by a silent EV by up to 20 percent, according to a US Department of Transportation report.

While AVAS systems for electric cars may sound like a new solution, major EV manufacturers in India have already been adding the function to their electric cars. These include models such as the Tata Curvv.ev, Harrier.ev, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG Comet and more. The AVAS system in modern EVs typically has the option of different sounds that the vehicle emits at speeds below 20 kmph. This allows nearby pedestrians to audibly identify an approaching electric car and avoid any unfortunate accidents. Up till now, the AVAS feature has been part of an EV's premium trim levels, however, the MoRTH mandate would make the safety feature accessible to all EV owners and increase the security factor.

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