EVs set to make noise, Centre has drawn up norms, says automotive research body head

The installation of an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System in e-vehicles is expected to address the concern that they could pose a safety concern for pedestrians as they operate silently.

'Unlike traditional vehicles, electric vehicles operate silently, raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the past.'

The director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Reji Mathai, said in Pune on Thursday that the central government has approved a policy on installing Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) in e-vehicles to address the concern that they could pose a safety concern for pedestrians as they operate silently. The implementation date, however, is yet to be announced, he added.

Mathai made the statement at a press conference at ARAI, Kothrud held to announce the 18th edition of the institute’s flagship biennial event, the ‘Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT)’. The event is scheduled to take place from January 23 to January 25 at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre (PIECC), Moshi.

“Unlike traditional vehicles, electric vehicles operate silently, raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the past. There was a recommendation to install AVAS in electric vehicles for safety purposes. The central government has formulated regulations on this matter,” said Mathai.

The AVAS generates sound for nearly silent electric vehicles to improve the safety of vulnerable road users (VRU) such as pedestrians, cyclists, and children. Several nations require all new electrical vehicles to be equipped with an AVAS system from 2019.

The SIAT EXPO24 will have 170 companies from around the world and 340 stalls which will be used as a platform for exhibitors to display their products. Additionally, technical experts from nine countries will present and discuss their research work in 48 technical sessions.

Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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