New EVs to be fitted with noise emitting devices

From today, EU law will require all new electric vehicles to be fitted with an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) which will generate a sound similar to that made by a conventional engine to alert other road users to their presence.

The AVAS must be activated when a vehicle is reversing or travelling below 20km/h (12mph), but the driver will have the power to deactivate it if judged necessary.

The change comes following concern that non fossil fuelled vehicles are too quiet, putting pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users at risk.