India to Mandate Pedestrian Alert Systems "AVAS" in Electric Vehicles from 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed new regulations that would make Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) mandatory in all new electric cars, buses, trucks, and goods vehicles. As per the draft notification, the rule will apply to new vehicle models from October 1, 2026, and to existing models from October 1, 2027.

Addressing Silent EV Risks

AVAS technology has been designed to reduce the risks posed by the near-silent operation of electric and hybrid vehicles. These vehicles, especially at low speeds, can approach pedestrians and cyclists without audible warning. MoRTH’s notification states:

"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 concerning audibility as specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time."

Category M vehicles include electric cars and electric buses used for passenger transport, while Category N vehicles comprise electric trucks and electric goods vehicles.

How AVAS Works

AVAS produces artificial sound when an EV moves at speeds below 20 kilometres per hour, alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users to the vehicle’s presence. At higher speeds, natural tyre and aerodynamic noise is sufficient to signal the approach of an EV.

International studies highlight the importance of the technology. According to the US Department of Transportation, electric vehicles have a 20 percent higher risk of pedestrian accidents than petrol or diesel vehicles, with the risk rising to 50 percent at low speeds. Recognising this, the US, Japan, and the EU already mandate AVAS in certain categories of EVs.

Alongside the AVAS proposal, the draft notification also suggests removing the requirement for vehicle manufacturers to provide spare tyres in models equipped with tubeless tyres. This provision will affect cars, three-wheelers, and quadricycles.

Automakers including MG, Tata, Mahindra, and Hyundai have already brought AVAS-equipped EVs to market. Popular models with the technology include the MG Comet EV, Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, and Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6. With the new mandate, adoption is expected to expand rapidly, aligning India’s safety regulations with global EV norms.

Industry Perspectives

The proposed regulations have sparked discussion within the industry about whether the mandate should apply only to larger EVs or be extended across all categories. While the industry is equivocally welcoming the move, stating its potential to tackle road safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists, especially for people with visual impairments, in the scenario where the roads are dominated by silent electric vehicles, there are contrasting views on whether the regulations should apply to all electric vehicles, including e2w, e3w, etc., or should it be limited to heavy vehicles like electric buses and electric trucks only.

Karthikeyan A, CTO & Co-founder of Raptee.HV noted that while Raptee’s electric motorcycles already integrate custom acoustic profiles for pedestrian safety, an additional AVAS may not be essential in two-wheelers. “From a broader perspective, the requirement for AVAS should be considered based on vehicle type. It is particularly critical for heavy commercial vehicles and four-wheelers, where visibility is relatively lower,” he said, adding that a phased rollout could maximise safety impact.

However, others like Vimal Singh, the Founder of ReadyAssist, and Abhishek Dwivedi, the Co-founder and COO of EVeez, are among those who profess that all types of EVs should be included. 

Singh insisted that implementing AVAS for four-wheelers, buses, and trucks from October 2026 is a progressive step in the right direction. “That said, I believe the conversation should also extend to two- and three-wheelers. In India, these segments form a very large share of daily urban mobility, and their quiet operation poses similar risks in crowded streets and residential areas. Excluding them from the mandate leaves a major gap in ensuring all-round pedestrian safety,” he added. 

ReadyAssist is one of India’s tech-enabled roadside assistance and vehicle lifecycle management companies, offering 24/7 breakdown support, towing, and emergency repairs across the country.

Abhishek Dwivedi pointed out that excluding two- and three-wheelers leaves out a major segment of India’s EV ecosystem. “E-rickshaws and two-wheelers also glide silently through crowded streets. By giving pedestrians a warning sound, EVs ensure that both our society and environment become safer. In the future, we expect regulations to expand and cover all categories of EVs, including E2Ws and E3Ws,” he said.

Standards Need to be Set

In addition, the industry people believe that the sound should be such that it is alerting for the other commuters, but should not be noisy. 

MaxVolt Energy Industries Limited, for instance, profess that clarity in the parameters regarding sound level and sound frequency is crucial, ensuring that sound alerts are both serious and enjoyable without unnecessary noise pollution. 

“The development of AVAS systems can be designed to be highly effective, with energy performance also optimised for the electric vehicle's battery operation. This will also lead to new opportunities for manufacturing some EV components as a part of India's clean mobility ecosystem,” added Mukesh Gupta, the Co-Founder and CMO of MaxVolt Energy Industries Limited.

Singh from ReadyAssist said, “Equally important is how the AVAS sound is designed. It should be effective enough to alert without being intrusive or contributing to noise pollution. A sound profile that is either similar to conventional ICE vehicles or one that distinctly differentiates EVs can create a balance between safety, comfort, and awareness. With the right implementation, AVAS can strengthen both road safety and user confidence in EV adoption.