Five important things about the noises an EV makes or doesn’t make

EVs are becoming popular—but what about the noise? 

Noise matters, from bulldozers to birds. Here are five things to know about EV sounds:

1. EVs make sound.
2. The sound is different to that of traditional engines.
3. The level of sound depends on the type of EV.
4. EVs can be modified to be louder.
5. EVs have a low sound, but it's not silent.

How much noise do electric vehicles make?

Not much really! And that’s why electric vehicles and the sound they produce have become a hot topic recently. With the growing popularity of EVs, many are curious to know: how noisy are they and how noisy do they need to be?

Well, it’s quite interesting. All cars—whether ICE or electric—use tires. That’s stating the obvious! And, as the tires roll over the road, a noise is produced by the resistance between the rubber and the road. So, why is it only in an electric car that you’re aware of the tyre noise? The noise of gasoline and diesel car engines tend to drown out the tire noise. But in an EV, you no longer hear the sounds of the motor.

EV tires do NOT make more noise than ICE car tires. You will just be able to hear them when you drive electric. The issue has arisen that at low speeds, and without the presence of traditional engine noise, the sound of an approaching EV may not be loud enough to alert other road users (such as pedestrians or cyclists etc).

• Gasoline and diesel cars make lots of noise, but electric vehicles don’t.
• EVs do make a sound but by comparison, they are practically silent.

Making far less sound can be both a good and bad thing

On the one hand, with less engine noise, noise pollution in cities is markedly reduced and makes for a more peaceful environment. On the other hand, pedestrians are used to tracking for cars first and foremost by their sounds. With a change to EVs (with less sound), there is potentially an increased risk of accidents when pedestrians don't hear approaching vehicles.

The problem exists at low speed only because when an electric car is rolling very slowly, there is very limited sound produced by the tires on the road. As the speed increases, so does the sound. In an ICE (gas car) the sound of that tires make through friction on the road is hidden by the much louder engine noise and an ICE car can generally be heard at any speed (and even when stationary).

So, to tackle this problem, rules have been made for EVs to produce some sound at low speeds, to alert pedestrians, and without being too much of a distraction to drivers. Manufacturers are looking into creative ways to get the best of both worlds: road safety and environmental friendliness.

Pro Tip: As the number of EVs increases, it's essential that both drivers and pedestrians remain attentive and aware of their surroundings, due to the decreased sound from electric vehicles. In effect, we need to evolve our ability to assess the environment (and develop alternative safety habits that are not just dependent on the loud noises ICE cars make).

Can electric cars really help reduce noise pollution?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have a big chance to cut down on noise pollution. I was in Wellington, New Zealand lately, and it was unbelievable how much quieter the city was because of the electric buses and many electric cars. I noticed a big change since the last time I was in LA too… which is far bigger. I realized how much we have come to accept as normal when it comes to the often-deafening sounds of ICE traffic.

Unlike cars running on gas or diesel, EVs use electric motors, so they're quiet. If more EVs replace regular cars, cities will be much quieter. EVs are eco-friendly and make less sound, making them a great choice to fight noise pollution. Plus, technology for EVs is improving, making them even quieter, which will mean even greater noise reduction.

What are the effects of noise pollution?

Noise pollution is a huge problem for both humans and the environment. The harmful effects of loud noise, especially traffic noise, have been well-documented and can cause health risks. Electric cars provide an alternative, as their quiet operation reduces noise pollution. This not only creates a more peaceful environment but also helps with fatigue and danger from exposure to loud noises.

Electric cars are a blessing for those who get fatigued from long exposure to loud sounds. The calming silence they provide is a respite from the constant stimulation from combustion engines. By decreasing auditory stress, electric cars help with concentration levels and mental well-being.

Because EVs are quieter, some adjustments are needed for other road users who may be used to hearing the noise of a petrol or diesel engine as a warning. Above low speeds, tire noise is enough to help detect faster-moving cars, but at low speeds, governments around the world either have introduced or are looking to introduce artificial vehicle noises (usually an electric whine when moving forward, or beeping sounds when backing up) to help improve safety.

But quite is better: Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that electric cars are 70% quieter than combustion engine vehicles when moving at low speeds. This reduction in noise pollution is beneficial to both individuals and the environment.

Quiet EVs and Pedestrians

Electric Vehicles (EVs) can be super quiet, making it tough for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, to detect them. This can be a safety risk. Some hybrid and EVs have been designed to make artificial sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians. Legislation is in place in many countries to require quiet EVs to emit audible signals for safety. In fact, in the EU a recent regulation was for electric vehicles, which mandates a minimum of 56 decibels at low speeds.

We need to keep researching ways to ensure that EVs and pedestrians are safe together. It's important to come up with tech or solutions that can notify visually impaired people and their service dogs about the presence of electric vehicles. That way, we can make roads safer for everyone while benefiting from eco-friendly transport. Let's join the conversation around making pedestrian safety better with quiet EVs!

Electric cars can make a fake engine noise

As noted above, electric vehicles have the option of creating an artificial engine noise, which can in part resemble the sound of a traditional combustion engine. This feature is referred to as a 'fake engine noise' and is aimed at warning pedestrians and cyclists of the presence of an electric car.

You could actually be asking now, why isn’t the sound of the tires enough? Actually, tire manufacturers are actively finding ways to reduce the sounds their products make. The air traveling through the channels (tread) of your tires can get louder at high speeds and produce annoying whistling sounds. So, instead of relying on tire sounds, the synthetic engine noises are being programmed in at the most important speeds to suit the locations where the highest risks exist (generally for pedestrians and cyclists).

Producing a fake engine noise is a safety measure to re-establish awareness among people used to hearing audible cues from combustion engines. By producing a sound (which could be described as a tonal, buzzing or whirring sound), electric cars can bridge the gap between silent running and pedestrian safety.

To achieve this, car makers have created tech like the VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) and AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System). These produce fake engine noises that alter in intensity depending on speed and road conditions. This means that pedestrians and cyclists can determine the position and movement of an electric vehicle.

Moreover, incorporating fake engine noise is important to address concerns around pedestrian safety. Research has revealed there's a heightened risk of accidents involving electric cars due to their quiet operation. The introduction of artificial sounds helps to reduce this hazard by giving auditory cues that people depend on when crossing roads or in urban areas. In the long run, we’ll all have to modify our habits in determining traffic risks and switch from primarily auditory to one that is more balanced between visual and auditory cues.

In order for these precautions to work, it's essential for manufacturers to design fake engine noises that are believable and easily recognized as those from conventional combustion engines. Moreover, customization options could be available for different models and brands of electric cars to make further distinctions for pedestrians and cyclists.