India to Mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System AVAS in EVs by 2027

1. Core Mandate

• The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) will be required in all Electric Vehicles (EVs) manufactured in the Government of India starting on October 1, 2027.
• This rule is proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

2. Purpose and Function

• Purpose: To improve the safety of pedestrians.
• Function AVAS will produce artificial sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users of the presence of near-silent EVs.

3. Implementation Timeline

• New EV Models: must have AVAS by October 1, 2026.
• All Existing EV Models: Requirement: Compliance by October 1, 2027.

4. Technical Standards and Coverage.

• Standard: To achieve consistent sound audibility, systems should conform to Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-173.
• Vehicle Coverage: The requirement pertains to:
• M passenger cars and buses (category M).
• Goods carriers and trucks (category N vehicles).

5. Benefits and Significance

• Better Safety: Lowers the possibility of pedestrian crashes.
• Global Alignment: Makes India aligned with the international EV safety standards.
• Consumer Confidence: Growth of confidence and trust in the society in using EV technology.

6. Potential Challenges

• Unification of sounds without contributing to urban noise pollution.
• Hanging the implementation expenses of manufacturers.
• Assuring the masses of the new system and its intention.

7. Regulatory Oversight

• Governing Body: the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Governing Standard: Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-173.