AVAS technology to be mandated for ZLEVs

INEVITABLY, the federal government is moving to legislate noise making devices for nearly silent vehicles to improve pedestrian safety.

Burgeoning numbers of electric and to a lesser extent hydrogen fuel cell powered cars, trucks and buses travelling at low speeds will soon be required to comply with a new design rule being framed by the Albanese Government mandating the fitting of an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS).

The devices generate a safety alert or sound emitted when a nearly silent vehicle is travelling at low speeds in car parks, intersections, and driveways.

The compliance measure will apply to not only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) but also to other so-called quiet vehicles powered by hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell engines.

Not surprisingly, “noisier” vehicles with conventional petrol or diesel engines could be considered safer in this regard as they are easier for pedestrians to hear and do not need AVAS.

The government has determined near silent vehicles pose an increased risk for pedestrians being involved in a collision, and this risk is greater for visually impacted people who rely upon sound to negotiate the road network independently.

From November 2025, a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) will require new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks, and buses to be fitted with an AVAS.

Though they have been around for decades predominantly on small Japanese-made trucks when reversing (and some passenger vehicles), it is expected AVAS will make new, near silent vehicles easier to hear in critical pedestrian areas.

The government assures us in a press statement that a vehicle fitted with an AVAS will not be any noisier than a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle.

Further, it says a consultative process was adopted on a draft Impact Analysis proposing a mandate for AVAS for light vehicles and it was strongly supported by state and territory governments, the blind and low-vision community, and vehicle manufacturers.

Studies show the new ADR may help avoid around 68 fatalities, 2675 serious injuries and 2962 minor injuries by 2060 and is estimated it may save the Australian community $208 million.

It has broad support across government offices with the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King saying, “This is another example of our Government’s commitment to road safety”.

“As more and more Australians choose to drive EVs we are committed to ensuring that they are safe for both driver and others using the road,” she added.

“This is a significant win for those the blind and low-vision community who have long been advocating for alert systems like this to be introduced in Australia.”

The Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth stated, “In our efforts to transition to a cleaner, greener future, it’s important that we continue to prioritise our commitment to building an inclusive society”.

“Today’s announcement is another example of the Albanese Government listening, including and responding to all sectors of society in our decision-making,” she added.

“It’s also another example of how making a reasonable adjustment for people with disabilities can actually make life better for everyone.”

While Bill Shorten, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance added, “It’s great that the blind and low vision communities’ concerns have been taken into account to create the Australian Design Rule meaning new electric vehicles will be fitted with an AVAS from November next year”.

“This new Design Rule will ultimately improve road safety for everyone on our roads,” he said.

Meanwhile, over at Daimler Truck Australia, a call has been made for pedestrians to be protected from “cheap” electric trucks that do not at this point come equipped with AVAS or other potentially lifesaving tech.

AVAS has been a feature on Daimler Truck’s Fuso eCanter since it launched in 2021 and is standard on the next-generation eCanter, the new Mercedes-Benz eActros and eEconic that are being launched later this month.

Daimler Truck has applauded the new Australian Design Rule mandating an AVAS (for electric trucks) but says pedestrians need more protection.

“We thank the Australian government for ensuring manufacturers do the right thing and include the audible AVAS system, but pedestrians need more protection than that,” said Daimler Truck Australia Pacific president and CEO Daniel Whitehead.

“All our electric trucks feature radar systems that can automatically stop the truck for pedestrians in harm’s way in front of the truck and even down the left side of the vehicle.

“Many of our competitors, especially in the small electric truck space, don’t even offer this as an option. Whether they just don’t have the capability to offer this advanced technology or they are just saving money, the end result is that they don’t have it.”

Daimler Truck Sales and marketing vice president, Andrew Assimo went further, saying electric trucks can vary in quality and that customers need to be careful when deciding which truck to buy.

“Customers need to think carefully about all the details when they come to purchase an electric truck and that goes beyond safety features,” added Mr Assimo.

“Will it be supported by an experienced dealership network? Does it have efficient eAxle technology? Has it been locally tested in Australian conditions? Or did it just roll off a boat?” he concluded.