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WWW Treehugger Com Do Electric Cars Make Noise 5205280 - Text Why 20are 20electric 20cars 20so The 20wind 20resistance 20while 20driving
WWW Treehugger Com Do Electric Cars Make Noise 5205280 - Text Why 20are 20electric 20cars 20so The 20wind 20resistance 20while 20driving
Environment
Transportation
In This Article
01. Vehicle Noise Pollution 02. Quiet EVs Can Confuse Drivers
In an EV, drivers can hear subtler noises that are drowned out by gas-
powered engines. The magnets in an electric motor can also emit high-
frequency noises, which is noticeable at low speeds.
One study predicts that acoustic and thermal insulation materials for
EVs will grow by 21% annually over the next decade. The challenge,
however, is the added weight.
Quiet EVs have prompted concerns about pedestrian safety. Since they
are so quiet, it's harder for children, animals, or the visually impaired
to recognize when an EV is nearby.
The threat to pedestrian safety doesn't just affect the blind or visually
impaired, however, since inattentive sighted walkers texting in
crosswalks may fail to look up from their phones without noticeable
vehicle noise. While data is limited, studies suggest a link between
pedestrians being distracted by mobile phone use while crossing
streets and a rise in pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
Artificial Noise
Creating artificial noises to conform to AVAS requirements leaves car
manufacturers with the opportunity to create brand sound signatures.
BMW, for example, is working with a Hollywood composer to create a
specific sound for its EVs. Volvo, by contrast, has opted to merely
increase the expected road noise of a vehicle rather than create its own
custom sound. While the sounds need to be within volume standards
set by the governing regulations, what could emerge is a medley of
different sounds from different vehicle makes on the road. Whether
that's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.
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