Quick Highlights:

  • All electric four-wheelers must emit artificial sound below 20 kmph from October 2026.
  • ARAI makes Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandatory for pedestrian safety.
  • Future norms may extend AVAS to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
  • BS-VII norms to focus on tyre and brake emissions, not just tailpipe pollution.

Electric ≠ Silent; ARAI Mandates AVAS in Electric Cars

Electric cars are no longer going to sneak up silently on Indian roads. In a significant move aimed at improving road safety, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has announced that all electric four-wheelers sold in India must emit an artificial warning sound from October 2026.

The regulation was confirmed by ARAI Director Reji Mathai ahead of the 19th Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026). Personally, I think this is one of those rare regulations that balances technology, safety, and common sense rather well.

AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems) in EV
AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems) in EV

Why ARAI Is Making Sound Mandatory for EVs

Electric vehicles are almost silent at low speeds, especially below 20 kmph, where tyre and wind noise are minimal. While this helps reduce noise pollution, it creates a real danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired road users who rely heavily on sound to sense approaching vehicles.

To address this risk, ARAI has mandated the use of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS).

“The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) will be mandatory for all electric four-wheelers travelling at 0–20 kmph to improve pedestrian safety,” said Reji Mathai at a press conference in Pune.

What Is AVAS and How Does It Work?

AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) is a safety feature designed specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles. It uses external speakers to emit a controlled, artificial sound when the vehicle is moving at low speeds.

Key AVAS details you should know:

  • Operates below 20 kmph (sometimes up to 30 kmph globally)
  • Automatically activates based on vehicle speed and movement
  • Uses front and rear speakers to alert nearby road users
  • Sound is noticeable but not disruptive, avoiding unnecessary noise pollution

In my view, AVAS is a smart compromise. It keeps EVs quiet where possible but audible where necessary.

traffic
traffic

Timeline and Implementation of the AVAS Mandate

  • Regulation effective from: October 2026
  • Applicable to: All new electric four-wheelers sold in India
  • Mandatory compliance for OEMs, not optional add-ons

This gives automakers enough time to integrate AVAS properly rather than rushing half-baked solutions into production.

Cars on city street photo
Cars on city street photo

Future Regulations: What’s Coming Next?

ARAI didn’t stop with just electric cars. The roadmap ahead is equally important.

  • AVAS for Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers: Discussions are ongoing to extend AVAS requirements to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The challenge, as ARAI notes, is designing a sound that is effective without being irritating, especially in dense urban traffic.
  • Bharat NCAP Phase 2: The second phase of Bharat NCAP is expected by 2027, strengthening India’s car safety assessment system. This should push manufacturers toward better safety engineering overall.
  • BS-VII Emission Norms: Interestingly, BS-VII norms will shift focus from tailpipe emissions to non-exhaust emissions. This includes particulate matter from tyre wear and brake wear, which is becoming a major contributor to urban pollution, even for EVs.
  • Pollution Inventory Initiative: ARAI is also developing a detailed pollution emissions inventory for Delhi and other major cities, which should help policymakers track real-world environmental impact more accurately.
EV Car in city with renewable energy
EV Car in city with renewable energy

SIAT 2026: Where the Announcement Was Made

The announcement was made ahead of the 19th SIAT, scheduled from January 27 to 30, 2026, at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

According to ARAI Senior Deputy Director NH Walke, this will be the largest SIAT so far, with a strong focus on advanced safety technologies, including AVAS and next-generation emission controls.

Electric Cars in India That Already Offer AVAS

Some manufacturers are already ahead of the curve. EVs currently sold in India with AVAS include MG Comet EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Mahindra BE 6.

These models show that AVAS can be integrated without compromising the overall EV experience.

Key Benefits of AVAS in Electric Vehicles

  • Improved Pedestrian Safety: AVAS significantly reduces the risk of low-speed accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Brand Differentiation: Manufacturers can develop unique sound signatures, which could become part of brand identity in the EV era.
  • Regulatory Compliance: AVAS helps automakers align with global safety norms, not just Indian regulations.
  • Higher Driver Confidence: Drivers can navigate crowded streets more confidently, knowing their vehicle is audible.
EV Cars charging through solar panels
EV Cars charging through solar panels

Why AVAS Matters for the Future of EV Adoption

As EV adoption accelerates, new challenges naturally emerge. Silent operation, once seen as a pure advantage, has revealed safety gaps in real-world traffic conditions. AVAS fills that gap without undoing the environmental benefits of electric mobility.

From my perspective, this mandate sends a clear signal: EV innovation in India will move forward, but not at the cost of pedestrian safety.

Conclusion

The ARAI mandate for AVAS from October 2026 is a timely and well-thought-out step toward safer electric mobility. By ensuring that electric cars are audible at low speeds, India is aligning itself with global best practices while addressing local traffic realities.

As more EVs hit Indian roads, regulations like this will help make the transition not just greener, but safer and more responsible.

Also Read: Government Mandates AVAS in Electric Vehicles from 2026 to Improve Road Safety

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Q. When will AVAS become mandatory for electric cars in India?

  • AVAS will be mandatory for all new electric four-wheelers from October 2026.

Q. At what speed does AVAS operate?

  • AVAS operates when the vehicle is travelling between 0 and 20 kmph, where EVs are otherwise nearly silent.

Q. Will existing electric cars need to retrofit AVAS?

  • As of now, the mandate applies to new vehicles sold after October 2026. Retrofit requirements have not been announced.

Q. Will AVAS be required for electric two-wheelers?

  • ARAI is currently discussing extending AVAS to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, but no final rule has been issued yet.

Q. Does AVAS increase noise pollution?

  • No. AVAS is designed to produce controlled, non-intrusive sound only at low speeds, minimizing overall noise impact.

Q. Is India following global standards with AVAS?

  • Yes. Similar AVAS regulations already exist in Europe, Japan, and other global markets, making India’s move globally aligned.