Beatrice Lang
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but their near-silent engines pose a safety risk to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired people. To address this, governments worldwide have implemented regulations requiring EVs to be equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) or similar technology. These systems emit sounds, particularly at low speeds, to alert surrounding individuals of the vehicle's presence. The introduction of these artificial sounds has sparked debates about their potential impact on noise pollution and the emotional reactions they may evoke. Sound designers and automakers have been tasked with the challenge of creating suitable sounds, with some enlisting musicians and composers for assistance. This has led to a diverse range of sounds, from traditional combustion engine noises to more innovative and unique auditory experiences. As the market for EVs grows, the design of their acoustic profiles will continue to be a critical area of focus for the automotive industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users |
| Speed | Sounds are only required at lower speeds (below 18.5-20 mph) as wind and tyre noise provide adequate warning at higher speeds |
| Type of Sound | Continuous, indicative of vehicle behaviour, and similar to the sound of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine |
| Design | Up to automakers, with some enlisting musicians and composers to assist |
| Regulatory Requirements | Must meet certain sonic criteria as per the 2010 Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and subsequent regulations |
| Pause/Off Switch | Should have a pause switch to stop operation temporarily, especially between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicle warning sounds and safety
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly common, and with that, safety relating to acoustic perception is an important issue. Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional combustion engine vehicles, and this can make it more difficult for pedestrians and cyclists, especially those with visual or auditory impairments, to be aware of their presence. This has led to the development of electric vehicle warning sound systems (EVWSS) that produce a series of sounds designed to alert pedestrians to the presence of EVs. These sounds can be driver-triggered or automatic at low speeds and vary from clearly artificial (beeps, chimes) to those that mimic engine sounds and tires moving over gravel.
In 2010, the U.S. approved the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, which requires electric and hybrid vehicles to be equipped with a pedestrian warning system. This was followed by similar regulations in Europe and Asia. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued its final ruling in 2018, requiring hybrids and electric vehicles traveling at less than 18.6 mph (30 km/h) to emit warning sounds that pedestrians must be able to hear over background noises. Automakers have enlisted musicians and composers to create branded sounds, such as Hans Zimmer's work with BMW and Leslie Mándoki's with Volkswagen.
The European Commission has also drafted guidelines for acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS), recommending that the system automatically generates a continuous sound from start-up to approximately 12 mph (20 km/h) and during reversing. These guidelines are intended for hybrid and pure electric highway-capable vehicles. Some automakers have argued that there is no need for electric vehicles to play sounds while not in motion, as it is unclear if it helps pedestrians to hear parked or stopped cars.
The development of warning sounds for electric vehicles has been a complex process, with considerations for technical specifications, noise pollution, and the emotional reactions of recipients. Studies have proposed methods to identify critical factors influencing drivers' and pedestrians' perceptions and behaviors related to vehicle sounds. For example, mechanical sounds yielded higher certainty and fewer hesitations, while tonal and crisp sounds elicited lower certainty and more frequent hesitations. Additionally, there is a concern about the potential for noise pollution, especially in urban areas, and the impact on the experience of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
In summary, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles has raised important questions about acoustic perception and safety. Warning sound systems have been implemented in various countries to alert pedestrians, especially those with visual or auditory impairments, to the presence of quiet electric vehicles. The design of these warning sounds has involved musicians, composers, and psychoacoustic research teams, taking into account technical specifications, noise pollution, and emotional reactions.
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Acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS)
AVAS creates artificial vehicle sounds through loudspeakers or actuators, with the sound level and frequency varying according to the vehicle's speed, direction, and distance. The systems are designed to produce an audible warning sound when the vehicle is in drive or reverse, and some can also amplify a unique reversing sound to inform others of the vehicle's path.
The development of AVAS started as a response to the growing concern for safety relating to acoustic perception as electric vehicles became more prevalent in the automobile market. Studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of adding sounds to electric vehicles at low speeds, with varying results. While one study found little correlation between accident rates and noise levels, other studies recommended the addition of warning sounds to improve safety.
To comply with regulations and improve brand recognition, automotive manufacturers have enlisted musicians, composers, and sound designers to create unique and pleasing sounds for their electric vehicles. These sounds aim to provide an acoustic experience that distinguishes the brand while also ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users.
Overall, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) are an important feature of electric vehicles, addressing safety concerns and providing a unique auditory experience for both pedestrians and drivers.
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User and expert perception of electric vehicle sounds
As electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, safety relating to acoustic perception is an important issue. Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional cars, which can make them more dangerous to pedestrians, cyclists, or visually impaired people. This has led to the development of artificial sounds for electric vehicles, which aim to improve safety without causing noise pollution.
One study investigated the emotional reactions of 40 participants, including 34 novice users and six sound experts, to 17 artificial exterior sounds for electric vehicles. The results showed that novice users preferred the sound of a traditional combustion engine and employed more character-related terms to describe the sounds, while experts used more composition-based words. Another study by the Transport Research Laboratory in the UK found little correlation between the rate of accidents with pedestrians and noise level for most vehicles.
To address safety concerns, car companies are developing warning sounds for electric vehicles. For example, Nissan has developed an Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP), which provides auditory cues when driving at low speed or reversing. Jaguar Range Rover has also conducted a study to develop appropriate warning sounds for luxury vehicles using an exterior sound simulator.
The European Commission has drafted guidelines for acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS), recommending that vehicles generate a continuous sound from start-up to approximately 12 mph and during reversing. Similar regulations have been implemented in the US, where every EV and hybrid manufactured since 2020 must be equipped with a pedestrian-warning system. Automakers have enlisted musicians and composers to create branded sounds, such as Hans Zimmer's work with BMW and Leslie Mándoki's collaboration with Volkswagen.
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Legislation and regulations regarding electric vehicle noise
The increasing popularity of electric vehicles has brought with it a unique set of challenges, particularly regarding safety and noise regulations. Electric vehicles, with their quiet engines, can pose a risk to pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired or have low vision. This has led to the development and implementation of various legislation and regulations around the world, aimed at ensuring these vehicles are audible and do not compromise public safety.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has played a pivotal role in regulating electric vehicle noise. The 2010 Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2011, mandated that electric vehicles emit warning sounds to alert pedestrians. The NHTSA was tasked with determining the specifics of these alerts, which resulted in a comprehensive set of acoustic rules and parameters. The final ruling, issued in 2018, requires hybrids and electric vehicles travelling below 18.6 mph (30 km/h) to produce warning sounds that are audible over background noises. This ruling ensures that pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments, are aware of the presence of quiet vehicles.
The European Union has also addressed this issue through legislation. In 2014, the European Parliament approved Regulation (EU) No 540/2014, making acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) mandatory for all new electric and hybrid electric vehicles. This regulation aims to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, including blind, visually impaired, and auditorily challenged individuals. The AVAS is designed to generate a continuous sound when the vehicle is in operation, providing information about its behaviour. Additionally, the European Commission drafted guidelines for AVAS in 2011, recommending that the system automatically generates a sound from start-up to approximately 12 mph (20 km/h) and during reversing.
While these regulations primarily focus on the safety of pedestrians, there has also been consideration for the potential impact on noise pollution. Some anti-noise advocates have opposed the introduction of artificial sounds, arguing that it could lead to increased noise pollution. As a result, regulations strive to find a balance between ensuring pedestrian safety and maintaining acceptable noise levels.
The implementation of these regulations has sparked a unique collaboration between automakers and musicians or composers, who are now crafting branded and proprietary alert systems. This intersection of safety and design has led to an interesting evolution in the acoustic landscape of urban environments.
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The role of sound designers in electric vehicle sound creation
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for being extremely quiet, with little to no engine noise, due to their motors having few moving parts. This lack of noise can be a safety concern for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and visually or hearing-impaired people. To address this, sound designers play a crucial role in creating sounds for electric vehicles, both externally and internally.
Sound designers aim to create sounds that improve the user experience and safety of electric vehicles. This includes adding sounds that alert drivers and pedestrians without being annoying or harsh, enhancing mood and concentration while driving. Designers also consider the brand's ethos and try to encode it into the sound. For example, Hans Zimmer, a film composer, created branded sounds for BMW's electric car.
Sound designers also need to consider the speed of the vehicle when crafting sounds. The frequency and pitch of the sound can indicate speed, providing auditory feedback to the driver and other road users. Additionally, the location and time of day can be used to create a sense of routine and structure for the user, with sounds tailored to specific journeys and activities.
Furthermore, sound designers must address the issue of noise pollution. While adding sounds to electric vehicles improves safety, it is essential to ensure that these sounds do not contribute negatively to the overall noise pollution levels. This is especially important in urban areas and for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
In conclusion, sound designers play a vital role in creating sounds for electric vehicles that balance safety, user experience, brand recognition, and noise pollution considerations. Their work involves experimentation, technical expertise, and an understanding of user preferences to craft the soundscape of the future for electric vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional cars due to their fewer moving parts and lack of a combustion engine. This can create added risk for drivers and pedestrians who rely on engine noise to gauge a vehicle's speed and proximity.
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems, or AVAS, are hidden speaker systems that emit noises from external speakers when an electric vehicle is travelling at low speeds. These systems aim to provide an audible signal to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, improving safety.
Regulators worldwide require electric vehicles to make some kind of sound for safety reasons, but the specific sound is often left to automakers and sound designers to create. Some automakers have enlisted musicians and composers to craft unique alert systems.
Some electric vehicles mimic the sound of a traditional combustion engine, while others feature more unique sounds. For example, Nissan has introduced a warning system called "Canto", which adds a choral element to the engine's natural whirr. Volkswagen's ID.3 sound was created by German-Hungarian producer Leslie Mándoki, while Porsche offers an electric sport sound option for its Taycan model.
