From today, any electric car in Europe has to make an artificial noise when it is traveling under 12 miles per hour. This new regulation aims to enhance pedestrian safety by ensuring that people can hear electric vehicles (EVs) approaching, especially in urban environments where the risk of accidents is higher.
The new rules have come into force today and are designed to let pedestrians know that there is an electric vehicle near or approaching them. You can hear one of the warning sounds below.
New regulations will require all new electric vehicles to feature a warning noise to alert pedestrians and cyclists.
🎧listen to the warning noise below⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EO6JPK0QUg
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) June 30, 2019
Why the New Regulation is Important
The sounds are designed to alert pedestrians, cyclists, guide dogs, and anyone else that there is a vehicle near them. Some of these electric vehicles are so quiet you cannot hear them approaching, so this new rule should help people and make them aware of the vehicle’s presence. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles produce enough noise to alert pedestrians, but EVs are often nearly silent, especially at low speeds. This silence, while beneficial for reducing noise pollution, poses a risk to those who rely on auditory cues to navigate their surroundings.
For example, visually impaired individuals depend heavily on sound to detect nearby vehicles. The introduction of artificial noise in EVs can significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving these individuals. Similarly, cyclists and other road users will benefit from the added auditory warning, making urban environments safer for everyone.
Implementation and Future Considerations
The regulation mandates that all new electric vehicles sold in Europe must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS). This system activates when the vehicle is traveling at speeds below 12 miles per hour and emits a sound that is easily recognizable as a vehicle. The sound must be continuous and can vary in pitch depending on the vehicle’s speed, ensuring that it is distinguishable from other ambient noises.
Manufacturers have some flexibility in designing these sounds, allowing them to create unique auditory signatures for their vehicles. This could lead to a diverse range of sounds on the streets, from futuristic hums to more traditional engine-like noises. However, the primary goal remains the same: to ensure pedestrian safety.
As technology advances, we may see further enhancements to these systems. For instance, future regulations might require more sophisticated sound patterns that can adapt to different environments or even interact with smart city infrastructure. Additionally, as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, the role of AVAS will likely expand to include communication with other road users and pedestrians, providing even greater levels of safety.
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