In a significant push to address one of the key safety challenges posed by the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has confirmed that all electric four-wheelers will be required to emit an artificial sound starting October 2026. The mandate introduces the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) as a compulsory feature, designed to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users to the otherwise near-silent approach of EVs at low speeds.
The announcement was made by ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai during a press briefing ahead of the 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026), scheduled to take place from January 27-30, 2026, at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Moshi. Dr. Mathai highlighted that the near absence of engine noise in EVs creates a genuine risk in urban environments, where pedestrians often rely on audible cues to detect approaching vehicles.
Why AVAS is Becoming Mandatory
Electric vehicles, especially at speeds below 20 km/h, produce minimal noise from tyre-road interaction or mechanical components. This “silent operation” — a key advantage for reducing urban noise pollution — has raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Studies and real-world incidents in India and globally have shown that pedestrians, the visually impaired, children, and elderly individuals may not notice an EV until it’s very close, increasing the likelihood of accidents in crowded areas.
To counter this, AVAS generates an artificial but recognizable sound (often a modulated tone or hum) when the vehicle is moving at low speeds — typically 0-20 km/h — or when reversing. The system activates automatically and is engineered to be noticeable without being intrusive or annoying. Many global markets, including Europe, the US, and Japan, already enforce similar AVAS requirements under UN regulations (such as UN R138), and India is aligning its standards accordingly.
Dr. Mathai emphasized that AVAS serves as both a pedestrian warning and a noise-source identification tool, enhancing overall road awareness. He noted that some electric two-wheelers in India have already started incorporating early versions of such systems, and discussions are underway to extend the mandate to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in future phases.
Implementation Timeline and Scope
- From October 2026: AVAS will be mandatory for all new electric four-wheeler models (passenger cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, etc.) type-approved or introduced in the market.
- Compliance for existing models: Manufacturers will need to ensure ongoing production models meet the requirement, with full compliance expected by October 2027 for all vehicles (including potential retrofits or software updates where feasible).
- Focus on low speeds: The sound is primarily required up to around 20 km/h, as higher speeds generate sufficient tyre and wind noise for detection.
The move aligns with broader government efforts under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and builds on earlier draft notifications proposing AVAS for electric passenger and goods vehicles. ARAI, as India’s premier automotive testing and certification body, has collaborated closely with manufacturers to develop and validate compliant systems.
Broader Context and Industry Response
India’s EV market has grown exponentially, with four-wheeler sales surging due to incentives, falling battery costs, and models from Tata, Mahindra, MG, BYD, and others. However, safety remains a priority as adoption accelerates. Manufacturers have welcomed the clarity on AVAS, viewing it as an additional safety feature that can be marketed to conscious buyers.Dr. Mathai also touched on related advancements, including ARAI’s work on hydrogen mobility testing facilities and updated emission norms. The SIAT 2026 symposium is expected to feature extensive discussions on e-mobility, safety technologies, and sustainable automotive innovations, making it a key platform for stakeholders to explore AVAS implementation and beyond.
As India transitions toward greener mobility, measures like mandatory AVAS demonstrate a balanced approach — embracing the quiet benefits of EVs while safeguarding vulnerable road users. With urban congestion and pedestrian traffic remaining high, this regulation could significantly reduce low-speed collision risks and set a precedent for inclusive EV safety standards.
For the latest updates on compliance, testing protocols, or SIAT 2026 details, visit the official ARAI website or follow announcements from MoRTH. Road safety evolves with technology — and in this case, a little sound goes a long way.
