New EVs to have Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System from October 1, 2026

The ministry of road transport and highways has mandated all new private and commercial electric vehicles to be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) with effect from October 1, 2026 while the existing models will have time till October 1, 2027 to fit AVAS.

The move is aimed at alerting pedestrians about approaching EVs which do not emit any sound and sometimes result in accidents.

“On and after 1st October 2026 in case of new models and 1st October 2027 in case of existing models, electrified vehicles of category M and N shall be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) meeting requirements with regard to audibility,” the ministry said in a draft notification.