Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles generate considerably less noise when compared with vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines. At low speeds, when tyre and wind noise is negligible, it can be harder for pedestrians to hear electric vehicles, increasing the risk of a collision. These collisions can still cause serious injury and death. The risk is exacerbated for pedestrians who are blind or have poor vision, as they generally rely on sound to negotiate the road network independently.

To mitigate this risk, most major vehicle markets overseas have mandated that electric vehicles be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS), which generate noise when vehicles are travelling at low speeds. An international regulation has been developed for AVAS, United Nations Regulation 138/01 (UN R138/01).

Through the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25, the Australian Government has committed to mandating AVAS for electric vehicles, subject to the outcomes of an impact analysis process. In line with this commitment, we have now prepared the below Consultation Impact Analysis to seek views from all interested parties on whether AVAS should be mandated in Australia.

We're seeking feedback on:

• support for the proposed introduction of AVAS for new light electric vehicles in Australia
• the benefit-cost analysis, including assumptions on the effectiveness of AVAS, the costs and the benefits
• the suitability of adopting UN R138/01 as a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, including any concerns on functional and performance and test requirements
• applicable vehicle categories, implementation timeframes, and alternative standards
• any other relevant views or information that could assist in decision-making.

At this stage, we are proposing to introduce AVAS only for light electric vehicles (vehicle categories MA, MB, MC and NA). While UN R138/01 applies to light and heavy electric vehicles, insufficient data was available to fully assess the case for mandating AVAS for heavy vehicles in Australia. However, we are interested in any information you may have on the costs, benefits and feasibility of mandating AVAS for heavy electric vehicles in the future.

Relevant documentation

• Consultation Impact Analysis for Improving Pedestrian Safety—Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems for Electric Vehicles