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India to Mandate Acoustic Alerts on Electric Cars From October 2026

ARAI says testing is complete for cars, with two- and three-wheeler rules to follow after validation.

Overview

  • The rule requires an audible, recognisable sound at low speeds—around 20 km/h—to help pedestrians and other road users detect approaching EVs.
  • ARAI confirmed that AVAS testing for four-wheelers is complete and rollout will begin in October, while evaluations for two- and three-wheelers are still underway.
  • To improve performance in Indian conditions, ARAI is building facilities to simulate fog and night driving so vehicle sensors can be tested and fine-tuned.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management has assigned ARAI, IIT Delhi, and TERI to a multi-year source apportionment study to map emissions and guide policy.
  • At SIAT 2026 from Jan 28–30 in Pune, ARAI plans to inaugurate new labs and an ADAS smart-city test track, highlighting safety work that includes more than 1,600 crash tests, with senior ministers scheduled to attend.