Electric Vehicles or EV’s are incredibly quiet, and now the European Union has ruled that all electric vehicles must have an engine noise.
The EU has voted to introduce mandatory AVAS or acoustic vehicle alerting system, the reason this is being done is to alert pedestrians to oncoming vehicles.
Over the next five years, all electric vehicles will have to use the AVAS system in Europe, and cars will make a sound which is similar to a regular petrol or diesel engine.
‘The acoustic warning devices will make a sound very similar to that of cars with a regular combustion engine so that people will be able to clearly hear these vehicles, allowing them to judge how safe a road is to cross.’
Why the Change is Necessary
Current electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are very quiet when they are running on just the electric engine, this is something that will have to change in the future in Europe. The primary reason for this change is safety. Pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired, rely heavily on auditory cues to navigate streets safely. The near-silent operation of EVs poses a significant risk as pedestrians may not hear these vehicles approaching, leading to potential accidents.
The introduction of AVAS aims to mitigate this risk by ensuring that electric vehicles emit a sound that mimics the noise of traditional combustion engines. This artificial noise will help pedestrians and other road users to detect the presence of an electric vehicle, thereby enhancing overall road safety.
Implementation and Impact
The implementation of AVAS will be phased in over the next five years. By 2025, all new electric vehicles sold in Europe will be required to have this system installed. The sound generated by AVAS will be designed to be noticeable but not intrusive, ensuring that it serves its purpose without contributing to noise pollution.
Manufacturers are already working on integrating AVAS into their electric vehicle models. For instance, Nissan has developed a system called “Canto,” which produces a melodic sound that varies in pitch and tone depending on the vehicle’s speed. Similarly, Jaguar’s I-PACE features a futuristic sound that alerts pedestrians without being overly disruptive.
The impact of this regulation extends beyond just safety. It also represents a significant step towards the broader acceptance and integration of electric vehicles into society. By addressing one of the key concerns associated with EVs, the EU is helping to pave the way for a smoother transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
Moreover, the AVAS regulation could inspire similar measures in other parts of the world. Countries like the United States and Japan are already considering similar requirements, recognizing the importance of pedestrian safety in the era of electric mobility.
The EU’s decision to mandate AVAS in electric vehicles is a crucial step towards enhancing road safety and ensuring the successful integration of EVs into our daily lives. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to address the challenges that come with it, and the introduction of AVAS is a prime example of how innovation can be harnessed to create a safer and more sustainable future.
Source Daily Mail, Autoblog
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