Government Proposes Installation of Mandatory Pedestrian Warning System in EVs

The Ministry of Road and Highways of India (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification directly to the EV manufacturers to compulsorily install a pedestrian warning system in EVs called AVAS – Acoustic Alert System. This move addresses pedestrian safety from the silent operation of EVs and aims to avoid any accidents.

Why is AVAS Necessary?

Electric vehicles remain silent when they are run at a low speed. This silence makes it difficult for pedestrians to notice and often leads to accidents. To avoid any such mishaps, the government of India has asked the EV manufacturers to install an AVAS.

AVAS or Acoustic Alert System is an alert system that helps in creating artificial sounds when EVs are at a lower speed. This helps pedestrians and cyclists alert them of the oncoming vehicle.

also read: Tesla Model Y Deliveries To Begin in India

To Align With Global Standards

Several countries, such as Japan, the US, and even members of the European Union, have already mandated the use of AVAS. To align with the global set standards, India has moved forward to implement AVAS in EVs. This has helped to set an example of how India is set to match the Global practices for pedestrian safety regulations in India and ensure safer urban mobility.

Extra Precautionary Measures Proposed

Along with the AVAS installation, the government has also proposed additional safety precautions.

• The AVAS will activate when the vehicle is at a speed below 20 km/h.
• The noise emitted from the AVAS must be set as per the global standard, noticeable, and avoid any noise pollution.
• EV manufacturers must ensure that the AVAS are installed during the design phase to avoid hampering in the design of the vehicle.

Timelines for Installation of AVAS

The government of India has set clear timelines to ensure AVAS installation in EVs for Pedestrian Safety.

• New EV models need to be equipped with AVAS starting from October 1st, 2026.
• Existing EV models are expected to follow by October 1st, 2027.

Which Vehicles will be Covered?

According to the EV government policies started in the draft notification, the AVAS requirements are only for EV vehicles in Categories M and N, which are four-wheeled electric vehicles. They include:

• Passenger Cars such as EV sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs.
• Commercial Vehicles such as Electric buses, trucks, and vans.

Two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles, like autorickshaws and bikes, are excluded from AVAS installation, even though their silent operation can harm pedestrians.
The AVAS installation proposal is a major step towards pedestrian safety regulations in India. It will ensure road safety, offer clear pedestrian warning of EV vehicles, and avoid any accidents.

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