India is set to mandate acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) in electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance pedestrian safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed that all electric cars, buses, and trucks must be equipped with AVAS starting October 1, 2027. The draft notification highlights concerns over the silent operation of EVs, which poses a potential hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. This rule will become mandatory for new passenger (Category M) and goods (Category N) EV models from October 1, 2026. By October 2027, all existing EV models will also need to comply. The notification specifies that AVAS installation must adhere to AIS-173 standards to ensure the artificial sound emitted is uniform and safe. The AVAS system is designed to activate at speeds up to 20 km/h, where EVs are often quiet enough that pedestrians cannot hear them. At higher speeds, tire and wind noise typically provide sufficient warning, negating the need for AVAS. This technology is especially critical in urban areas to protect pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments. Several countries, including the United States, Japan, and nations in the European Union, already mandate AVAS in EVs and hybrid vehicles. This move aligns India’s rapidly expanding EV market with global safety standards. In addition to AVAS, MoRTH’s draft suggests removing the requirement for spare tires in vehicles with tubeless tires, applicable to cars, three-wheelers, and quadricycles, reflecting changes in tire technology. While AVAS improves pedestrian safety, overall vehicle safety depends on crash protection, body structure, and battery safety. Some of the safest Made-in-India EVs include Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV. Certain EVs are already available with AVAS features.
