Government Proposes Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems in EVs from October 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Saturday issued a draft notification that amends the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to mandate acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) for new electric vehicles, including private and commercial ones, from October 2026. This system is aimed at alerting pedestrians to approaching electric vehicles, which are much quieter than vehicles with internal combustion engines.

“Provided also that, on and after 1st October 2026 in case of new models and 1st October 2027 in case of existing models, electrified vehicles of category M and N shall be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) meeting requirements with regard to audibility as specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time,” according to a notification. In vehicle classification systems, Category M vehicles are for carrying passengers, while Category N vehicles are for carrying goods.

The government's decision to mandate the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) comes in response to concerns regarding silent electric vehicles on the roads. Because these EVs are so quiet at low speeds, they have caused accidents with pedestrians who couldn't hear them approaching. The new regulation will require EVs to automatically produce sound when moving at low speeds, alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. This system is already mandatory in regions like the European Union, Japan, and the United States.

Because EVs are so quiet, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System generates a low-frequency, simulated engine noise that varies in intensity with vehicle speed, especially at low speeds (under 20 km/h) and when in reverse, to provide audible cues to people on the road.