The Duel: Making Electric Vehicles Heard, Not Just Seen

Remember that episode of “The Office” where Andy uses a Prius to sneak up on Dwight in the most absurd duel ever?

Hilarious, right?

But it also pokes fun at something serious—electric vehicles (EVs) are so quiet you could easily sneak up on someone even if completely unintentional.

So what have car manufacturers done to address this potential safety issue?

In This Post

• Artificial Sounds for Safety
  • Find Your EV Today!
• Wrapping Up – Electric Vehicle Sounds
• References

Artificial Sounds for Safety

What happened to Dwight is funny in a sitcom, sure, but in real life? Not so much if you’re the one being stealth-attacked by a two-ton electric ninja.

To prevent our streets from turning into an episode of “Silent but Deadly Vehicles,” regulations now require EVs to make some noise.

Think of it as their way of saying, “Hey, I’m here, and I’m not trying to scare the **bleep** out of you!”

This is where Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) come into play, ensuring electric cars announce their presence at low speeds.

Car makers have taken this as a creative challenge.

So what sounds are they using? Keep reading to find out.

Manufacturer	Approach to Artificial EV Sounds
Nissan	Futuristic, spaceship-like tones designed to evoke advanced technology and innovation.
BMW	Synthetic engine-like sounds that mimic combustion engines but with a modern, refined twist. Aims to appeal to traditional BMW enthusiasts while embracing electrification.
Jaguar	Sci-fi inspired but subtle sounds, designed to be distinctive yet understated, reflecting the brand’s blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology.
Tesla	Customizable sounds via over-the-air software updates. Owners can choose from pre-loaded options or upload their own audio files for personalization.
Mercedes-Benz	Distinctive humming sound for the EQC electric SUV, designed to be futuristic and organic, reflecting innovation and sustainability.
Audi	Futuristic yet organic sound for the e-tron lineup, evoking technological prowess and environmental consciousness, aligning with the brand’s values.
Porsche	Sporty, high-performance sound that captures the thrill of driving a Porsche, even in an electric vehicle, reflecting the brand’s focus on performance and driving excitement.
Volvo	Serene and calming soundscape, providing a relaxing and stress-free driving experience, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on safety and comfort.
Ford	Integrates sounds that evoke robustness and reliability, aligning with its reputation for durable, high-quality vehicles adapted for both performance and everyday driving.
Chevrolet	Designs its EV sounds to be functional and straightforward, mirroring the brand’s focus on practicality and value for a wide range of consumers.
Kia	There electric vehicles feature a distinct, futuristic sound, engineered to alert pedestrians while enhancing the driving experience with a subtle, high-tech hum.

Wrapping Up – Electric Vehicle Sounds

While EVs bring a lot of benefits to the table, in the real world, electric cars’ ninja-like silence isn’t as much of a laugh when you’re almost ninja’d by one crossing the street.

Car makers are tuning into this issue, outfitting EVs with sounds—yep, they’re making them less ninja and more noticeable.

So, as we think about making our roads safer and our drives more fun, here’s a question: If you could choose any sound for your EV, what would it be?

A superhero theme song every time you hit the accelerator? Maybe something else?

Let’s hear your wackiest ideas by commenting on our Facebook post!

References

• https://neosonic.eu/references/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352340918312915
• https://hal.science/hal-01708883/file/paper_Internoise17-v4.pdf
• https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/08/what-should-a-nine-thousand-pound-electric-vehicle-sound-like