The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently issued a draft notification to mandate the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) – which alarms pedestrians to approaching electric vehicles as they’re relatively quieter than cars with a combustion engine – from next year. “Provided also that, on and after October 1, 2026, in case of new models and October 1, 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 MoRTH notification stated. Category M and N EVs are for carrying passengers and goods, respectively.
- EVs equipped with AVAS emit sounds at low speeds to alert other road users
- Compared to ICE cars, EVs pose a 20 percent higher risk of accidents to pedestrians: Study
To alert pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, electric vehicles will produce sounds when moving at low speeds (under 20kph). As per a report from the US Department of Transportation, electric cars pose a 20 percent higher risk of accident to pedestrians compared to petrol, diesel cars and a 50 percent higher risk during low-speed driving. Notably, AVAS is mandatory in the US, as well as Japan and Europe.
Electric vehicles with AVAS in India
MG Comet, Tata Curvv EV
Some models like the MG Comet EV, Tata Currv Ev and Hyundai Creta Electric already come with AVAS. Even the all-electric duo of Mahindra Xev 9E and BE 6 (formerly BE 6e) offer the safety system.
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