Why is India making EVs noisy?
India is making EVs noisy on purpose and here’s why.
Electric vehicles are extremely quiet at low speeds. That’s great for pollution and city noise but it can also be dangerous for pedestrians.
This is especially important for visually impaired people who rely on sound to know when it’s safe to cross a road.
Studies show pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by electric or hybrid vehicles because they’re harder to hear.So India is stepping in.
From October 1, 2026, all new electric passenger and commercial vehicles including cars, buses and trucks must be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). Existing models will have to comply by October 1, 2027.
AVAS adds a gentle artificial sound when the vehicle moves at low speeds or reverses.Interestingly, the rule does not currently apply to two-wheelers and three-wheelers – even though that’s where India’s biggest EV transition has happened but discussions are underway.
