Govt Proposes Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) For EVs From 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport has issued a draft notification proposing the mandatory use of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in electric passenger and commercial vehicles. This move, aimed at improving road safety, will be phased in over the next two years. By October 2026, all newly developed EV models must be equipped with AVAS, while existing models in production will need to comply by October 2027. Read on to find out more details on what this latest development revolving around pedestrian safety is about, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.

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Why Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Matters

Electric and hybrid vehicles operate almost silently, particularly at low speeds, making them harder to detect for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. This quietness, while desirable for comfort, poses safety risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and the visually impaired. The Acoustic Vehicle Alert System or AVAS addresses this gap by emitting artificial but non-intrusive sounds at lower speeds, alerting people to an approaching vehicle.

Under the proposed rules, AVAS will automatically activate when vehicles travel at speeds up to 20 km/h. The sound profile will follow the AIS-173 standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring it is audible without being disruptive. The system will not be required at higher speeds, where tire and wind noise naturally provide sufficient cues of a moving vehicle.

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Coverage & Scope: 2Wheeler Exemption & More

The mandate applies to M-category passenger vehicles (cars, buses) and N-category goods vehicles (trucks, commercial vans). Although the current draft does not cover two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or e-rickshaws, the ministry has hinted at expanding the scope to L5 and L7 categories in the future. Experts have raised concerns about their exclusion, given that silent electric scooters and three-wheelers are also involved in frequent pedestrian mishaps. The notification also introduces a provision to remove the mandatory spare tyre requirement for vehicles fitted with tubeless tires. While this could benefit carmakers as the cost will go down and also might free up space in the boot for some extra storage, I still feel that a spare tyre should not be removed, as it is a pretty solid safety net in case things go south in the middle of your journey.