Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification mandating Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in all new and existing models of electric cars, buses, and trucks to enhance pedestrian and road-user safety.
Key Highlights
Timeline & Applicability
- New EV models (Category M & N): Must be fitted with AVAS from 1st October 2026.
- Existing EV models: Must have AVAS from 1st October 2027.
- Applicable to Category M (passenger vehicles – cars, buses) and Category N (goods vehicles – trucks).
Technical Standards
- AVAS must meet audibility requirements specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time.
- Requirement applies to all electric passenger and commercial vehicles manufactured after the given deadlines.
Other Provisions
- Removal of mandatory spare tyre for vehicles with tubeless tyres (cars, three-wheelers, quadricycles).
Global Practices
- US, EU, Japan already mandate AVAS in electric and hybrid vehicles.
- India aligning its EV safety regulations with global best practices.
What is AVAS?
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS):
- An electronic sound-emission system that generates artificial noise at low speeds (<20 kmph).
- Designed to compensate for absence of engine noise in EVs and hybrids.
- Alerts vulnerable road users, especially in urban and residential zones.
How AVAS Works?
- External speakers emit artificial sounds when the vehicle moves at speeds up to 20 kmph.
- Above 20 kmph, tyre friction + wind noise is sufficient, so no artificial sound required.
- Helps tackle risks from Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTVs) that operate silently.
Safety Benefits
- Protects pedestrians, cyclists, visually impaired persons, and other road users by alerting them to nearby EVs.
- Reduces accident risks, especially in low-speed zones, parking areas, and urban roads.
Importance of this Move
- Addresses safety risks from near-silent EVs.
- Enhances road safety & pedestrian protection in India.
- Brings India’s EV standards in sync with international regulations.
- Supports safe EV adoption as India rapidly scales up green mobility.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH):
- Current Union Minister: Nitin Gadkari.
- Responsible for formulating vehicle standards, safety regulations, and road infrastructure policy.
International Practices:
- US (NHTSA): Mandated AVAS since 2018.
- EU (Regulation No. 540/2014): Requires AVAS in new EVs from 2019.
- Japan: Among the earliest to adopt AVAS regulations.
EV Policy in India:
- Promoted under FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles).
- Target: 30% EV penetration by 2030.
- EV Milestone: India crossed 2 million annual EV sales in 2024, strengthening its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.
Indian EV Market Context
- EV sales in 2024: 20,22,873 units (25.4% growth over 2023).
- EVs now account for 7.7% of India’s automobile market.
- Policy aligns with India’s target of EV-led green mobility transition.
Key Facts
- AIS-173: Automotive Industry Standard governing minimum sound levels for hybrid/electric vehicles at low speeds.
- Category M Vehicles (CMVR classification): Motor vehicles for passenger transport (cars, buses).
- Category N Vehicles: Motor vehicles for goods transport (trucks, goods carriers).
- Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTVs): Vehicles such as EVs and hybrids that run almost silently at low speeds, increasing accident risk.