Wednesday, October 01, 2025
By Kamal Swami
Pedestrian Warning System To Be Compulsory For EVs
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has developed a draft proposing the integrationa of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in all new electric vehicles (EVs). The main objective of pedestrian warning system is to enhance road safety by alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. The decision regarding this is taken due to the silent movement of EVs at low speeds.
According to the draft, the rule will take effect from October 1, 2026, for new electric vehicle models and from October 1, 2027, for existing EVs in production. In a statement issued by the ministry,“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 AVAS system will generate an artificial sound to make the sound from EVs more audible in traffic without being intrusive. The draft proposes that the sound will activate when the vehicle is traveling below 20 kmph or in reverse gear, and automatically switch off at higher speeds when tyre and wind noise become sufficient for detection.
Applicability and Coverage
The proposal to integrate the AVAS system will be applicable on vehicles under categories M and N, including passenger cars, buses, trucks, and light commercial vehicles. However, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and e-rickshaws will be excluded from this rule in the beginning. The integration of this system in such vehicles is not yet confirmed by the ministry.
Enhancing Pedestrian Safety
The move addresses growing safety concerns regarding the quiet operation of EVs. Various studies have shown that more than 20% of pedestrian accidents happen due to low sound generated by electric vehicles while moving below the speed of 20 kmph. EVs in countries like the United States, Japan, and members of the European Union are already equipped with AVAS in EVs.
The introduction of this technology in India is expected to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban and congested areas.
EV Makers Already Offering AVAS
While the draft developed by MoRTH proposes to make AVAS mandatory, several automakers in India have already integrated the system in their electric models. Vehicles such as the MG Comet, Tata Curvv EV, Tata Harrier EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Mahindra BE6 are among those already equipped with pedestrian alert systems.
If approved, the draft proposal will mark a major step toward improving pedestrian safety and aligning India’s EV regulations with international standards.
