India, Jan. 22 -- In a move aimed at improving road safety amid the rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) will mandate the implementation of the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in electric four-wheelers across the country from October.

The decision addresses safety concerns linked to the near-silent operation of EVs at low speeds, which often makes it difficult for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users to detect approaching vehicles. In the next phase, the mandatory noise-alert system will also be extended to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

AVAS generates an artificial but recognisable sound when an electric vehicle is operating at low speeds - typically up...