Pune: All electric four-wheelers in India will be required to emit an artificial sound while travelling at low speeds from October to improve pedestrian safety, according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
ARAI Director Reji Mathai said for electric cars operating at speeds between zero and 20 kilometres per hour the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System will be compulsory. He said the move is aimed at reducing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, as electric vehicles are quieter than conventional vehicles. He added that talks are also ongoing about introducing a similar system for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, with careful consideration to ensure the sound is clearly noticeable but not disturbing, reports The Times of India.
Mathai was speaking at a press conference to announce the 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology, which will be held from January 27 to 30 at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Moshi.
He said ARAI is part of a group working on preparing pollution and emissions data for Delhi and other major cities. He also said the organisation is contributing to the next phase of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme, which is expected to be implemented from 2027.
On the upcoming Bharat Stage VII emission rules, Mathai said they are not expected to bring major changes to exhaust emission limits, as existing standards are already strict. Instead, he said the focus will shift to reducing pollution from sources such as tyre and brake wear. He added that greater attention will be given to emissions under real driving conditions.
Mathai said that before the new emission rules are introduced, India will move from the current vehicle testing cycle to a more representative one. He said the next stage will be rolled out only after the new test method is fully established.
On hydrogen mobility, Mathai said ARAI has requested government support to set up a high-pressure hydrogen cylinder testing facility capable of handling 700-bar systems. The project is estimated to cost about ₹100 crore, and funding of around ₹65 crore has been sought under a central government scheme. He said once approved, the facility is expected to be ready within 18 months.
