Loud noise requirement for silent vehicles

Though it is not the primary selling point of electric automobiles, their quiet operation has often been cited as a great side benefit. Electric and hybrid vehicles are the target of some new legislation. The legislation would require these quiet automobiles to make more noise. Hybrid automobiles and electric automobiles can be made noisier with after-market parts. This equipment, however, may soon become mandatory.

How a quiet car could be dangerous

Hybrids and electric cars tend to be fairly quiet when going slow. At speeds above 20 miles per hour, the air resistance against the car does make some sound, but it is typically not as loud as gasoline-powered engines. Anybody that needs automobile noise will not like this, although it will help sound pollution. Sometimes, it is hard for a person to identify how far away an electric automobile really is when it is so quiet which could be bad for blind people, pedestrians and cyclists. Limited studies have shown that hybrids and electrics are twice as likely to collide with pedestrians at intersections and parking lots, where the automobiles are moving at very low speeds.

Something that needs to be addressed

Some car corporations, such as Nissan, are already working to address the issue of car sound. In the future, the Nissan Motors Leaf will make a sound. It was referred to as a "futuristic buzzing noise" at one point. Kits to put into vehicles are being developed by Lotus Engineering and some other industries. A Prius can be converted to sound like a race vehicle with one kit. Some kits will make a hybrid sound like an 8- or 12-cylinder vehicle. This will give individuals sound whenever they are ready.

Trying to create international criteria

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering creating needs for electric vehicle sound. Regulation like this is being considered in the European Union. Many groups are against the idea of natural noises being used because it could possibly be bad for blind individuals. To be able to ease the transition and prevent any difficulties with electronic sound on freeways, the Society of Automotive Engineers is hoping to create worldwide standards.

Citations

Times Online

timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7115259.ece

MSN

editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1131334&page=0