Sounds of Electric Cars
Published about 4 years ago
The noises that internal combustion cars make are relied upon by many as a notice that a car is approaching. Blind pedestrians rely on the sounds, as do bicyclists and many other people who find themselves around moving vehicles. While the idea of "noiseless" cars is nice, its not as safe as noisy cars.
Talk has started about how to give a voice to these environmentally-friendly vehicles a voice. The question is whether these voices will be mandated on a federal level or a state-by-state level. In my opinion - the better solution is obvious - make the mandates federal so that pedestrians who move from one state to another are already familiar with the same sound. On the flip side, it will make it easier and less expensive for automobile manufacturers to comply with federal rules rather than a myriad of state rules.
And what should the noise sound like? Personally, I would prefer an engine sound as opposed to any beeping of buzzing.
Russell Coker says:
I sent an email to Toyota about four years ago suggesting that when reversing they should have a speaker near the exhaust pipe making the sound you might expect from an Otto cycle engine.
I also suggested that it be possible to turn off the sound. For example when backing into your drive at 1AM there is no need for noise as anyone can easily see the lights and not waking people up is a good thing.