Umair Gaines
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being quieter than traditional cars, due to their motors having fewer moving parts. However, this lack of noise can create safety risks for drivers and pedestrians, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted. As a result, regulators have introduced laws requiring EVs to emit some kind of sound, especially at low speeds. This has led to car companies employing sound designers to create unique noises for their electric vehicles, with the aim of improving safety and providing a more immersive driving experience. The sounds of electric vehicles vary, with some companies choosing to replicate the sound of a gasoline engine, while others opt for more innovative and futuristic sounds. The introduction of artificial sound in electric vehicles presents a unique opportunity to shape the soundscape of the future, with the potential to evoke emotions and elevate the driving experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume | Should be audible to pedestrians and vulnerable road users for safety reasons |
| Speed | Should be louder at lower speeds, i.e., below 20 mph |
| Continuity | Should be continuous rather than intermittent |
| Customisability | Should allow the driver to switch the sound off, at least temporarily |
| Artificiality | Can be artificial, i.e., not a replica of a gasoline engine |
| Emotion | Can be designed to stir emotions and elevate the driving experience |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicle warning sounds for vulnerable road users
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being quieter than traditional cars, which can be a good thing for city dwellers who are tired of traffic noise. However, this lack of engine noise can also create added risk for drivers and pedestrians, especially those who are blind or visually impaired. To address this safety concern, regulators and manufacturers have introduced electric vehicle warning sounds designed to alert vulnerable road users to the presence of electric vehicles.
In 2011, the European Commission drafted guidelines for acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) to provide recommendations for a system that would generate an audible signal to pedestrians and vulnerable road users. These guidelines were intended to be interim measures until the completion of ongoing research and the development of global performance specifications. The European Parliament also approved a draft law in 2013 to tighten noise limits for cars and add alerting sounds to improve the safety of vulnerable road users in urban areas.
The AVAS system is designed to automatically generate a continuous sound when the vehicle is operating at low speeds, typically from start-up to approximately 20 km/h (12 mph) or 18.6 mph, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States. The system may also include a pause switch to temporarily stop its operation during certain times.
The choice of warning sound can vary, including soft continuous hums, beeps, chimes, simulated engine noises, whooshing sounds, melodic tones, low-frequency rumbles, or artificial white noise. Some manufacturers have experimented with recordings of electric guitars, race car engine sounds, and the hum of high-voltage power lines to create unique warning sounds.
While some advocates oppose the introduction of artificial warning sounds, arguing that it will increase noise pollution, others recognize the safety benefits of these systems, especially for vulnerable road users. The implementation of warning sounds in electric vehicles is a step towards enhancing the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, ensuring they are aware of approaching vehicles and improving overall road safety.
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The challenge of designing engine sounds
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being extremely quiet, which can be a safety issue for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. To address this, regulators have introduced laws and guidelines mandating that EVs emit some kind of sound, particularly at low speeds, to alert pedestrians and other road users of their presence. This has led to a unique challenge for automakers and sound designers, who must now create sounds for EVs that balance safety, functionality, and customer experience.
Another challenge for sound designers is to create sounds that are distinct and recognizable as belonging to a particular make or model of EV. This is especially important as the number of EVs on the road increases, and as the variety of sounds that EVs can make expands. A unique and recognizable sound can help to differentiate a particular EV model or brand in the market, just as the distinctive rumble of a V-8 engine has become associated with certain types of sports cars and trucks.
Additionally, sound designers must also consider the emotional impact of the sounds they create. The driving experience is about more than just functionality; it's about creating a connection between the driver and the car. Carefully curated auditory elements, such as welcome and farewell sounds, can elevate the driving experience and provide a sense of immersion and dynamism. This aspect of sound design is particularly important for automakers as it can enhance the desirability and marketability of their vehicles.
The process of designing engine sounds for electric vehicles is an evolving art that requires a delicate balance between innovation and familiarity. It involves a deep understanding of not just the technical aspects of sound design but also the psychological and emotional impacts of sound on human behavior. By embracing this challenge, automakers and sound designers have the opportunity to shape the soundscape of the future, creating sounds that are not just functional but also evocative and memorable.
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The safety benefits of electric vehicle sounds
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being extremely quiet, as their motors have few moving parts. While this might be a welcome change for those tired of traffic noise, it can pose a safety risk for drivers and pedestrians alike. Drivers rely on engine noise to gauge their speed, and pedestrians rely on their hearing to detect oncoming traffic. This has prompted regulators to require EVs to emit some kind of sound for safety reasons, particularly at low speeds where wind and tyre noise may not provide adequate warning.
The European Commission has drafted guidelines for acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) to address this issue. These guidelines recommend that AVAS automatically generate a continuous sound when the vehicle is travelling at speeds up to 20 km/h (12 mph) and during reversing. This will provide an audible signal to pedestrians and vulnerable road users, such as the blind, visually impaired, and children. The European Parliament has also approved a draft law to tighten noise limits for cars and add alerting sounds to ensure the audibility of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Several car manufacturers have already introduced warning sounds to their electric vehicles. For example, Nissan has introduced a warning system called "Canto", which adds a choral element to the engine's natural whirr. Volkswagen has included fake sound in its 2020 compact ID.3 range, and Mercedes-AMG has collaborated with Linkin Park to produce a unique "bass slapping" roar. Porsche also offers an electric sport sound in its Taycan model, which mimics the noise of a petrol car.
While some may argue that adding artificial sounds to electric vehicles increases noise pollution, the safety benefits outweigh this concern. By emitting warning sounds, electric vehicles can provide an audible signal to pedestrians and vulnerable road users, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, sound designers can curate the soundscape of electric vehicles to evoke emotions, enhance the driving experience, and create a sense of connection between the driver and the car.
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Electric vehicles and noise pollution
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being quieter than traditional cars, as their motors have fewer moving parts. While this can be a blessing for those tired of traffic noise, it also creates safety issues for drivers and pedestrians who rely on engine noise to gauge a vehicle's speed. In addition, the lack of a familiar engine sound compromises decades of car marketing, especially for sports cars and trucks.
To address these concerns, some automakers have hired sound designers to create new noises for their EVs. These sounds play through internal and external speakers and vary widely, from the hum of high-voltage power lines to the roar of a revving engine. However, the introduction of artificial sounds to EVs has faced opposition from anti-noise and electric car advocates, who argue that it will only increase noise pollution.
Regulators and safety organizations have also recognized the need for EVs to emit some kind of sound. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, for example, requires EVs traveling at less than 18.6 mph (30 km/h) to emit sounds ranging from 43 to 64 decibels. In 2011, the European Commission drafted guidelines for acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS), recommending a continuous sound from startup to approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). Similarly, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) in the United States has lobbied for AVS on EVs, citing safety concerns for visually impaired pedestrians.
While the addition of warning sounds to EVs aims to improve safety, it also raises questions about noise pollution. Noise is a significant environmental stressor that can negatively impact health and well-being, leading to increased blood pressure, stress, concentration loss, and sleep fragmentation. The inequitable distribution of noise pollution, particularly in low-income communities, further emphasizes the need for careful consideration of sound in the design of EVs. As the world transitions to electric vehicles, finding a balance between safety and noise pollution will be crucial to creating healthier and more equitable urban environments.
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The emotional impact of electric vehicle sounds
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being extremely quiet, which can be a safety hazard for drivers, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. To mitigate this, regulators have introduced laws that require EVs to emit some kind of sound, particularly at low speeds. This development has opened up a new world of possibilities for sound designers, who are not only creating sounds that make EVs safer but also more emotionally engaging.
The emotional impact of EV sounds is a relatively new area of exploration for sound designers. The challenge lies in striking a balance between innovation and familiarity, creating sounds that not only provide functional feedback about performance but also evoke a sense of connection between the driver and the car. For example, Hyundai's "Ignition" sound option pays homage to the brand's sporty heritage, incorporating realistic engine sounds, backfire, bubbling, and gear bangs. The "Evolution" option presents a high-performance electric soundscape with an emphasis on fast cornering, while "Supersonic" delivers a unique, fun-to-drive experience inspired by a jet, complete with a sonic boom.
Beyond safety, sound designers are leveraging the power of sound to elevate the driving experience through carefully curated auditory elements. This fusion of engineering and emotion marks a departure from the traditional revving engines of internal combustion vehicles. By blending acceleration tones, deceleration murmurs, and simulated motor braking, designers aim to provide drivers with a heightened sense of control and confidence behind the wheel. The introduction of welcome and farewell sounds further underscores the commitment to creating a holistic and memorable driving experience.
The soundscape of electric cars reflects the ever-changing nature of innovation and the evolving relationship between drivers and their vehicles. As cars become more than just modes of transportation, sound design plays an increasingly important role in creating a dynamic and immersive driving experience. By experimenting with various sounds, such as electric guitars, race car engine sounds, and high-voltage power line hums, designers are crafting the soundscape of the future, making EVs safer and more emotionally engaging for drivers and pedestrians alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicles are extremely quiet due to their motors having few moving parts. This can create added risk for drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, regulators around the world require electric vehicles to emit some kind of sound for safety reasons, especially at low speeds.
The sounds of electric vehicles are designed to provide safety, functionality, and an immersive driving experience. Automakers have tried to replicate the sound of a gasoline engine, while others have little interest in doing so. Some electric vehicles have a continuous sound, while others have unique sounds such as the "Ignition" and "Evolution" options in Hyundai's electric vehicles.
The ability to turn off electric vehicle sounds varies by country and manufacturer. For example, in the UK, any hazard warning sound must be capable of being disabled between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. On the other hand, some anti-noise advocates oppose the introduction of warning sounds that cannot be turned off by the driver.
