Beatrice Lang
Electric vehicles (EVs) are required to emit warning sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians. However, the specific sounds are left to the discretion of the automakers, leading to a wide range of creative and unique sounds. Honda, a well-known automaker, is considering allowing drivers to download and select their preferred engine sounds for their EVs, such as the high-revving S2000 roadster or the CRX Si. Honda's EVs, such as the upcoming 0 Series, are designed to be super-quiet, but the company is exploring the idea of offering sound options for a small fee. Honda's sound generator feature may include sounds mimicking various vehicles, including the NSX, F1 car, and even the Honda Jet. The company is also committed to providing a serene driving experience, ensuring that the 0 Series has one of the quietest cabins on the market and offering the option to switch off the sound generator.
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What You'll Learn
Honda's next-gen user interface
One notable feature is the inclusion of a sound generator, which offers a unique menu of sounds mimicking various vehicles, such as the NSX Type-S, NSX Type-R, and even an F1 car or Honda Jet. These sounds can be purchased, providing a new revenue stream for Honda. The sound changes based on the vehicle's speed and accelerator position, and can also be switched off for a serene driving experience. This feature addresses the safety concern of quiet electric vehicles, as highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which mandates warning sounds for electric vehicles at low speeds.
The user interface also includes facial recognition technology, providing a personalized experience for drivers. Additionally, over-the-air updates ensure the system remains current and enhances performance and functionality. The in-vehicle purchase capability adds convenience, allowing drivers to download sounds and other features directly to their cars.
Honda's next-gen interface demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and safety, offering a customizable and immersive driving experience. With the upcoming 0 Series EVs, Honda is shaping a new era of quiet and efficient vehicles, backed by cutting-edge technology. The interface's versatility and adaptability showcase Honda's forward-thinking approach, solidifying its position as a leader in the automotive industry.
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Sound design and safety
Honda's upcoming 0 Series EVs are expected to be some of the quietest cabins of any vehicle on the market. However, Honda is considering adding sound effects to its EVs, which can be purchased and downloaded. Honda has provided a demonstration of a digital user interface concept installed in a Honda E, an electric subcompact hatch sold overseas, which includes a menu for a sound generator with sounds mimicking several vehicles, including an NSX Type S, NSX Type-R, and an F1 car. Honda is not alone in this endeavour, as other automakers such as Ferrari and Dodge are also looking at ways to enhance and amplify the sounds made by their electric vehicles.
The addition of sound to electric vehicles is not just a matter of preference or personalisation but also safety. Electric vehicles, due to their quiet nature, pose a hazard to pedestrians, especially those who are blind or visually impaired. A 2009 study by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that hybrid electric vehicles were twice as likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists at low speeds compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This has prompted the NHTSA and the European Parliament to mandate the use of warning sounds in electric vehicles when travelling at low speeds.
To address this safety concern, automakers have introduced sound generators in their electric vehicles. These sound generators can be automatically or manually activated and are designed to alert pedestrians to the vehicle's presence, speed, and direction of travel. The sounds vary from those mimicking internal combustion engines to more creative options like fighter jet-inspired roars or spaceship-like whirs. Some automakers even offer different soundscapes that can be played inside and outside the vehicle, allowing drivers to personalise their driving experience.
While the addition of sound to electric vehicles improves safety, it also raises concerns about noise pollution. To address this, companies like Enhanced Vehicle Acoustics (EVA) have developed aftermarket technology called "Vehicular Operations Sound Emitting Systems" (VOSES). This system emits sounds at lower speeds, with the speakers placed on the hybrid's wheel wells to minimise noise pollution while providing acoustic information to pedestrians.
The sound design of electric vehicles is a relatively new field, and automakers have a lot of creative freedom in choosing the sounds their vehicles make. This allows them to create unique and branded alerts that meet certain specifications, providing a psychoacoustic experience that conveys comfort, safety, and manufacturing expertise.
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Honda EVs that sound like sports cars
Honda is taking electric vehicle innovation to the next level by introducing selectable engine sounds in its upcoming EVs, including the highly anticipated 0 Series. During a recent test drive of a 0 Series prototype, Honda showcased a digital user interface concept that included a sound generator with a range of exciting options. Among them were the iconic sounds of Honda's cherished sports cars, such as the S2000, Civic Type-R, and the NSX Type-S and Type-R. The sound generator will also feature the roar of a powerful F1 car and even the distinctive sound of the Honda Jet.
The inclusion of these selectable engine sounds adds a unique emotional element to Honda's near-silent EVs, providing a nostalgic and exciting driving experience. Honda has also experimented with simulating the handling dynamics of classic sports cars, further enhancing the driving experience. The sound changes based on the vehicle's speed and accelerator position, creating an authentic and responsive driving feel.
While the 0 Series is expected to have some of the quietest cabins on the market, the sound generator feature allows drivers to customize their driving experience. The sounds can be purchased and downloaded, providing a new source of revenue for Honda and an opportunity for drivers to personalize their EVs. The sound generator concept is not limited to the 0 Series, as Honda plans to deploy this interface throughout its lineup, including hybrids and gasoline vehicles.
The Japanese automaker is taking a unique approach to electric vehicles by offering a range of sounds that cater to different preferences. For those seeking serenity, the sound generator can be switched off, while others can enjoy the thrill of hearing their EV roar like a sports car. Honda's attention to detail and willingness to experiment with new features ensure that its upcoming EVs will be highly anticipated by automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
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Honda's super-quiet 0 Series EVs
Honda's upcoming 0 Series EVs are set to be some of the quietest vehicles on the market. The company is making a conscious effort to ensure that the 0 Series has one of the quietest cabins of any vehicle available. Honda is also considering offering downloadable engine sounds for a small fee, allowing drivers to customise their EV experience.
While electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their quiet cabins, they are required by law to emit warning sounds at lower speeds to alert pedestrians. This has led to the development of sound generators and creative sound design in EVs, with automakers experimenting with various sounds, from fighter jet-inspired roars to classical music-inspired tunes. Honda is also exploring this area, with plans to offer sounds mimicking various vehicles, including the NSX Type-S, Civic Type-R, and even an F1 car or Honda Jet.
The ability to customise the sound of an EV is expected to be well-received by customers, especially those who desire the visceral feel of a traditional combustion engine. Honda's sound generator feature will provide a range of options for drivers to choose from, allowing them to personalise their driving experience. The sounds will likely vary based on the vehicle's speed and the position of the accelerator, creating a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
However, it is important to note that the sound generator feature is still under consideration and may not be exclusive to the 0 Series EVs. Honda intends to deploy this user interface throughout its lineup, including hybrids and other gasoline vehicles. The company is committed to providing a unique and customisable experience for its customers, offering the latest technology and features in its next-generation EVs.
The 0 Series EVs from Honda represent the company's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, offering a super-quiet cabin experience and the option for customisable sounds. With late 2025 set as the expected release timeframe for the first production model, likely an SUV, Honda is poised to make a significant impact in the EV market with its cutting-edge 0 Series.
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Honda's sound generator
The sound generator is part of Honda's digital user interface concept, which includes cutting-edge features such as facial recognition, over-the-air updates, and in-vehicle purchases. During a test drive of the 0 Series prototype, Honda showcased the sound generator's capabilities, allowing drivers to select from a range of production model sounds, such as the S2000, Civic Type-R, CR-X, and NSX Type-S. The sound generator is designed to be customizable, with certain sounds available for purchase, offering a new source of revenue for Honda.
The sound profile of Honda's EVs is carefully crafted to provide a safe and immersive driving experience. The sounds change based on the vehicle's speed and the position of the accelerator, creating a dynamic and responsive auditory environment. Honda is also committed to ensuring that their EVs have some of the quietest cabins on the market, providing a serene driving experience when desired. The sound generator strikes a balance between adding emotion to the driving experience and providing essential safety features.
In addition to the sound generator, Honda has also considered other auditory aspects of their EVs. For example, engineers pay close attention to the small details, such as the sound of the driver's-side door closing, creating a psychoacoustic experience that conveys comfort and safety. Honda's approach to sound design in their EVs showcases their dedication to enhancing the overall driving experience, both inside and outside the vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Honda electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to be super-quiet, but they do make sounds at lower speeds to alert pedestrians. Honda is also considering offering drivers the option to download and play engine sounds inside their EVs. These sounds could include those of various Honda vehicles, like the NSX, S2000, and CRX.
Electric vehicles make a variety of sounds, from fighter-jet-inspired roars to spaceship-like whirs. Automakers have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to sound design, as long as their vehicles meet certain safety specifications.
Electric vehicles need to make sounds to comply with safety regulations. A 2009 study by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid electric vehicles were twice as likely as conventional cars to be involved in crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists at low speeds.
Electric vehicles can be very quiet, but they are not completely silent. At lower speeds, they are required to emit warning sounds to alert pedestrians and other road users.
