India Mandates Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems in EVs for Pedestrian Safety
India is set to mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in electric vehicles (EVs), aligning with international safety standards. This move aims to enhance pedestrian safety, especially at low speeds where EVs can be nearly silent.
AVAS will automatically activate in Indian EVs operating at speeds up to 20 km/h, alerting pedestrians to their presence. The systems must comply with AIS-173 standards, ensuring uniform audibility. Several countries, including the US, Japan, and EU members, have already mandated AVAS.
Several EVs already on sale in India, such as the Tata Harrier EV and Volvo EX30, come with AVAS. By October 2026, all new EV models manufactured in India must be fitted with AVAS. By October 2027, existing models in production will also require AVAS.
India's rapidly growing EV market and commitment to safety benchmarks drive this decision. Some of the safest Made-in-India EVs, like the Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV, already boast strong crash safety ratings.
The Indian government's move to mandate AVAS in EVs will improve pedestrian safety, particularly in low-speed environments. This requirement aligns with international standards and reflects India's commitment to safety in its growing EV market.
