Key Highlights
- AVAS will become mandatory for all electric vehicles by Oct 1, 2026 for new models and Oct 1, 2027 for existing production lines.
- The move aligns India with the U.S., Japan and EU standards, ensuring uniform safety across the sector.
- Compliance will follow AIS‑173, a global benchmark for audible alerts in silent vehicles.
- Both passenger (Category M) and commercial (Category N) EVs are covered under the regulation.
- Challenges include noise pollution, cost implications for manufacturers and the need for public education on the system.
Detailed Insights
India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has unveiled a sweeping policy that obliges every new electric car, bus and truck to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, commonly dubbed AVAS. The primary objective is to make the near‑silent electric propulsion audible to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
The rule takes effect in a two‑phase rollout: all new EV models introduced from 1 October 2026 must already contain AVAS, while vehicles that were already in production are brought into compliance on 1 October 2027.
Compliance is measured against the AIS‑173 specification, which defines acoustic intensity, frequency range and duration requirements to guarantee that the emitted sound is unequivocally perceivable at typical urban driving speeds.
By adopting this regulation, India joins the ranks of the United States, Japan, the European Union, and several other jurisdictions that mandate audible alerts for silent vehicles. This harmonisation is expected to streamline cross‑border vehicle certification and facilitate smoother EV market growth.
The administration anticipates the regulation will reduce collision rates in congested cityscapes, build public confidence in EV technology, and encourage wider acceptance of electric mobility.
Key Concepts
- Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) – a device that emits a pre‑designed sound to signal the presence of a silent electric vehicle.
- AIS‑173 – an Automotive Industry Standard that stipulates minimum acoustic thresholds and timing for vehicle alerting systems.
- Category M vehicles – electric cars and passenger buses designed for use under public transportation.
- Category N vehicles – electric trucks and goods carriers operating primarily in commercial logistics.