AVAS
AVAS stands for “Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.” The system generates warning sounds for quiet electric vehicles to alert other road users—particularly pedestrians, cyclists, children, and people with visual impairments—to the approaching vehicle. AVAS is an externally audible warning signal that complements the virtually silent movement of electric and hybrid vehicles at low speeds.
In brief
AVAS is a legally required acoustic warning system for quiet vehicles that generates an artificial driving noise to improve road safety. It activates at low speeds and can also be retrofitted to suitable electric vehicles.
Purpose and background
Electric vehicles are often very quiet at low speeds, which makes it difficult for uninvolved persons to hear them and can potentially lead to dangerous situations. AVAS was developed to close this safety gap and increase road safety.
How it works
An AVAS system typically consists of a loudspeaker, electronic control unit, and a connection to the vehicle’s electronics. It generates an audible, continuous driving noise that is adjusted in pitch and volume to the speed of the vehicle. When certain speeds are exceeded (often around 20 km/h in the EU), the system switches off because tire and wind noise provide sufficient acoustic warning. At the same time, a separate tone can be used for reversing.
Legal requirements
In many regions, including the European Union, AVAS is mandatory for low-noise vehicles. In the EU, Regulation No. 540/2014 stipulates that newly registered electric and hybrid vehicles must be equipped with an AVAS that emits audible warning signals at low speeds. The legal requirements include minimum and maximum values for the volume of the signal as well as requirements for its function.
In the EU, new electric vehicles have been required to be equipped with an AVAS since July 2021.
Sound design
The regulations specify general conditions (e.g., volume and activation range), but not the exact sound. Manufacturers can therefore incorporate their own sound characteristics, giving different models distinctive acoustic signatures. On the one hand, this opens up creative sound design approaches, but on the other hand, it raises discussions about traffic and environmental noise.
Retrofitting
While AVAS equipment is mandatory for new vehicles, in many regions there is no general legal obligation to retrofit older electric vehicles. Nevertheless, retrofitting with suitable modules is possible and can significantly increase safety, especially in urban environments or on construction site vehicles such as electric forklifts (e.g., with special alarm or warning systems such as EVAS/E-VAS, which generate acoustic warning signals for electrically powered commercial vehicles).
FAQ: AVAS
What does AVAS stand for?
AVAS stands for “Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.” The system generates artificial driving sounds for quiet electric and hybrid vehicles.
Why do electric vehicles need an AVAS?
Electric vehicles are often barely audible at low speeds. AVAS is designed to warn pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users in advance.
Is AVAS required by law?
Yes. In the European Union, new electric and hybrid vehicles have been required to be equipped with an AVAS since July 2021.
How does an AVAS work?
The system automatically generates an artificial driving sound. This sound changes depending on the vehicle’s speed and driving conditions.
At what speed is AVAS active?
AVAS typically operates at low speeds up to about 20 km/h. Above that, tire and driving noises are usually audible enough.
Can an AVAS be deactivated?
That depends on the vehicle manufacturer and legal requirements. Many modern systems cannot be permanently deactivated.
Which vehicles require an AVAS?
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, in particular, require an AVAS. This applies to passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and in some cases also industrial trucks or machinery.
What are the benefits of an AVAS?
AVAS improves the audibility of quiet vehicles. This helps reduce the risk of accidents in close proximity.