The Indian government is planning a new regulation requiring electric vehicles (EVs) to emit sound at low speeds to prevent accidents.
Making Quiet Vehicles Heard
Electric vehicles, including popular e-rickshaws, are known for their quiet operation, especially at slower speeds. While this is often seen as a benefit, it poses a significant safety concern for pedestrians and cyclists who might not hear an approaching vehicle.
To address this, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is proposing a rule to install Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in all EVs. This system will generate an audible sound when the vehicle moves at speeds from zero up to 20 kilometers per hour.
Why the 20 Kmph Threshold?
The decision to mandate AVAS specifically for speeds below 20 kmph is crucial. Officials explain that beyond this speed, the tires of an electric vehicle naturally produce enough sound to alert those nearby.
However, at lower speeds, the nearly silent operation of EVs makes them a “silent threat,” increasing the risk of collisions with unsuspecting road users. This is especially relevant in crowded city lanes and colonies where e-rickshaws and other EVs are increasingly common.
Global Standards and Local Studies
India is not alone in recognizing this safety need. Countries like the United States and Japan have already made AVAS mandatory for electric and hybrid vehicles, setting a global precedent for safer EV integration.
Domestically, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is also conducting a study on the necessity of AVAS in electric vehicles. This research, requested by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
What’s Next for EV Safety?
The proposal has already been discussed by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules – Technical Standing Committee (CMVR-TSC), which is the leading body for vehicle safety standards in India. This indicates that a final regulation is expected to be issued soon.
The move is a proactive step by the government to enhance road safety as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on Indian roads continues to grow rapidly. Making EVs audible at low speeds will help protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
- The government plans to mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) for EVs.
- AVAS will generate sound when EVs move between 0 and 20 kmph.
- This regulation aims to prevent accidents due to the silent nature of EVs at low speeds.
- Similar regulations are already in place in countries like the US and Japan.
- IIT Delhi is conducting a study on the need for AVAS in India.
This initiative underscores a commitment to balancing the push for green mobility with paramount road safety concerns for everyone.
