In an effort to make streets safer for all users, Australia has announced a pivotal update to its vehicle safety regulations that will impact electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and consumers alike. From November 2025, it will become mandatory for all new electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system is designed to emit a noise at low speeds to alert pedestrians, addressing the concern that the relative silence of EVs can pose a risk, especially to those with vision impairments.
The Silent Risk of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are appreciated for their quiet operation, which contributes to reduced noise pollution in urban environments. However, this silence can be dangerous for pedestrians, particularly for those who are blind or have low vision, as they often rely on auditory cues to navigate city streets safely.
Recognising this issue, the Australian government, led by Minister Catherine King of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, has responded with a regulation that promises greater safety. The decision was made after consultations and an impact analysis that garnered strong support from various stakeholders, including the blind and low-vision community, state and territory governments, and vehicle manufacturers.
Global Standards and Local Advocacy
The move to mandate AVAS brings Australia in line with other regions like the EU, UK, Japan, Korea, and the USA, where such safety features are already compulsory. Local advocacy groups such as Vision Australia have championed this cause since 2018, highlighting the need for these systems to ensure that pedestrians with vision impairments can feel safe and confident in public spaces.
User Experiences and Manufacturer Response
The introduction of AVAS has not been without its challenges and feedback from vehicle owners. For instance, owners of the BYD Atto 3 have had mixed reactions to the AVAS feature. Some users have found the sounds ranging from a futuristic spaceship noise to more subtle tones either too loud or oddly quiet. In response to consumer feedback, BYD has updated the AVAS sound options via an over-the-air update, which also introduced the ability to turn off the sound system completely.
Looking Ahead
While the new rule will only apply to new vehicles manufactured from November 2025 onwards, it underscores the importance of AVAS in enhancing pedestrian safety—a critical consideration as more Australians turn to electric vehicles amidst global shifts towards sustainable transportation.
The implementation of AVAS not only represents a significant safety enhancement but also reflects a broader commitment to inclusive transport solutions that cater to the needs of all community members, including those with disabilities. As this technology evolves, continuous feedback from users and refinements by manufacturers will be key to ensuring that the sounds produced by AVAS are effective without being intrusive, thus maintaining the balance between safety and comfort in urban mobility.
Source: SolarQuotes - Safer Electric Vehicles For Australia With AVAS
