Applicability
Applies to new and existing electrified passenger and goods vehicle models in M and N categories according to the phased dates stated in the notification.
Key requirements
- Fit an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System on applicable electrified vehicles.
- Demonstrate audibility compliance with AIS-173, as amended from time to time.
- Apply the new-model requirement from 1 October 2026.
- Apply the existing-model requirement from 1 October 2027.
- Maintain type-approval evidence for the AVAS installation and vehicle configuration.
OEM impact
- Add AVAS hardware, control logic and diagnostics to affected vehicle programs.
- Update homologation plans, variant matrices, drawings, software baselines and compliance declarations.
- Plan separate readiness gates for new models and carry-over models.
Supplier impact
- AVAS suppliers need production-intent hardware, acoustic performance data and change-control evidence.
- Software and body-control suppliers may need interface, diagnostic and calibration updates.
- Component capacity and PPAP timing must support both implementation phases.
Testing / homologation impact
- Vehicle-level audibility testing is required against AIS-173 conditions and limits.
- Installation position, sound characteristics, software strategy and variant coverage require review with the test agency.
- Changes affecting emitted sound may need extension or revalidation assessment.
Action points
- Identify every M and N electrified model within the two implementation windows.
- Freeze the AVAS sourcing and vehicle-integration concept.
- Book test-agency capacity and align approval evidence with launch milestones.
- Add AVAS conformity checks to production control and change management.
Open questions
- Which carry-over variants can be covered through extension rather than a new approval?
- How will future BIS specifications transition from AIS-173 for approvals already granted?
- Which software or sound-file changes will trigger revalidation?
Official references
Disclaimer
This update is an educational engineering summary, not legal advice. Always verify the current Gazette text, amendments, corrigenda, implementation circulars and test-agency interpretations before making a compliance decision.