Govt Proposes Sound Alert System For EVs From October 2027

SUMMARY

The feature has been mandatory only for passenger and goods vehicles, while electric two and three-wheelers have been kept outside the ambit of this mandate

AVAS is a safety feature in EVs that emits non-disruptive sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users to an EV’s presence

The ministry has sought comments and objections on the said proposal by October 27

The transport ministry (MoRTH) has proposed making the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) mandatory for all electric cars, buses and trucks starting October 2027.

For context, AVAS is a safety feature in EVs that emits non-disruptive sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users to the vehicle’s presence. The system aims to prevent accidents due to lack of engine noise in quiet EVs.

As per a draft notification issued on September 25, the ministry said that it plans to make the feature mandatory for all new models of categories ‘M’ and ‘N’ of EVs, manufactured after October 2026.

While category M includes cars and buses designed for passenger transport, category N comprises trucks and goods vehicles. Notably, electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are not reportedly covered by this mandate.

“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 AVAS meeting requirements with regard to audibility as specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time,” the notification reportedly read.

The ministry has sought comments and objections on the said proposal by October 27.

This comes two months after reports first surfaced that the Centre was mulling new rules to mandate automakers to install the new feature in their EVs. In July, the ministry published a draft guideline on automotive industry standards, which required fitting AVAS in EVs.

At the time, reports also claimed that the Central Motor Vehicles Rules – Technical Standing Committee discussed the matter during a meeting and proposed formulating rules on the matter.

While EVs moving above 20 kmph speed generate some sound through their tyres, vehicles moving below this speed make little-to-no noise. To prevent any accidents arising out of the quiet nature of these vehicles, the ministry has brought the norms.

The development comes at a time when EVs are witnessing growing adoption in the country. Buoyed by policy push and incentives to spur localisation, EV sales, especially electric two-wheelers, continue to see healthy growth.

The likes of Ola Electric and Ather Energy have even gone on to list on the exchanges while legacy giants like TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto have pulled all stops to grab a pie of the growing space. As per VAHAN data, total electric two-wheeler registrations stood at 1.04 Lakh units in August, almost flat from 1.03 Lakh units in July.

At the heart of all this is the growing homegrown EV market, which is projected to become a $132 Bn opportunity by 2030.