In a significant move to bolster road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed stricter regulations requiring all electric vehicles in India to be equipped with audible alert systems. This initiative directly addresses concerns over the quiet operation of EVs, which can pose a risk to pedestrians, especially in crowded urban environments.
Expanded Mandate and Key Deadlines
The new draft notification from MoRTH significantly broadens the scope of an earlier mandate. Previously covering only M and N category vehicles (like cars, buses, and trucks), the updated rules now include L5 and L7 category vehicles. This expansion brings e-rickshaws, e-karts, and heavy quadricycles under the safety umbrella.
The ministry has set a clear compliance timeline. According to the draft, all new private and commercial electric vehicles must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) from October 1, 2026. For existing EV models already on the market, manufacturers will have an additional year to retrofit the systems, with a deadline of October 1, 2027.
What is AVAS and Why is it Crucial?
An Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is a dedicated safety feature for electric and hybrid vehicles. Since these vehicles produce minimal noise at low speeds, they can be difficult for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to detect. The AVAS solves this by using external speakers to generate an artificial sound that alerts people to the vehicle's presence.
The sound is designed to vary with the vehicle's speed and is particularly active during low-speed maneuvering and reversing—situations where the risk of accidents with unaware pedestrians is highest. This technology is a proactive step toward preventing collisions and making Indian roads safer for everyone as the nation accelerates its EV adoption.
Next Steps and Public Consultation
MoRTH has published the draft notification in the public domain and is actively seeking feedback. Stakeholders and citizens have a 30-day window to submit their suggestions and objections regarding the proposed mandate. Once the feedback is reviewed and the notification is finalized, it will become a binding regulation for all electric vehicle manufacturers and sellers in the country.
This move underscores the government's focus on integrating safety measures into the fabric of India's growing electric mobility ecosystem. By including ubiquitous vehicles like e-rickshaws, the policy aims to create a uniform safety standard across all segments of electric transport.
