Govt proposes acoustic alert system for EVs, excluding 2- & 3-wheelers, from 2027

NEW DELHI: From Oct 2027 all electric cars, buses, and trucks will be required to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which will automatically generate a sound alert, according to a draft notification issued by the road transport ministry. However, this requirement has not been proposed for electric two- and three-wheelers, as well as e-rickshaws, which too produce no noise.

The draft notification states that all new models of electric passenger and goods vehicles manufactured after Oct 2026 must be equipped with AVAS, and all existing models produced from Oct 2027 onward must have the feature.

TOI had reported on July 5 the govt’s move to introduce this regulation requiring vehicle manufacturers to install an electronic system that automatically produces sound when these electric vehicles are moving at speeds of up to 20 kmph. Since such vehicles produce almost no noise, they are categorised as Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTVs).

The AVAS is primarily designed for electric and hybrid vehicles to emit artificial sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to their presence, especially at low speeds when these vehicles are very quiet.

“There is a dire need to mandate this feature in electric two- and three-wheelers too. We see more instances of pedestrians being hit by two-wheelers, and since these make no noise, the risk of accidents is greater,” said Anil Chhikara, a former deputy transport commissioner of Delhi.

The AVAS will not be required for higher speeds when tyres of EVs generate sufficient noise.

Sources said the ministry’s notification also proposes to do away with the requirement to carry a spare tyre for cars, three-wheelers, and quadricycles that have tubeless tyres.