Electric Cars Are Just Too Damn Quiet
EU rules may mean silent electric cars must make Star Wars noises
"The vision of tranquil modern cities, with inhabitants gliding by silently in electric cars, may be shattered by European plans to introduce artificial warning sounds to the new generation of zero-emission vehicles.
Each manufacturer may be permitted to provide its own “signature tune”, with the regulation simply setting a minimum volume to prevent pedestrians, cyclists and especially blind people from stepping into the path of battery-powered cars.
Some manufacturers are likely to opt for an engine noise while others are considering adopting the noises of spacecraft from science fiction films, such as the podracers from Star Wars.
To minimise disturbance, the noise will be projected in the direction in which the vehicle is travelling. Lotus, which is developing electric and hybrid models, has adapted sound-cancelling technology to project a sound that changes with the speed.
The industry believes an artificial sound is likely to be needed only at speeds below 20mph because above that all vehicles create enough tyre noise to be heard.
Testing of various sounds begins this month at Warwick University, which is working with several electric-vehicle manufacturers in the West Midlands.
A test vehicle will project a different sound each week and assess the response of pedestrians.
Paul Jennings said: “We will have a week with music and weeks with natural sounds, engine noise and also with science-fiction sounds."
outa the way!
"The vision of tranquil modern cities, with inhabitants gliding by silently in electric cars, may be shattered by European plans to introduce artificial warning sounds to the new generation of zero-emission vehicles.
Each manufacturer may be permitted to provide its own “signature tune”, with the regulation simply setting a minimum volume to prevent pedestrians, cyclists and especially blind people from stepping into the path of battery-powered cars.
Some manufacturers are likely to opt for an engine noise while others are considering adopting the noises of spacecraft from science fiction films, such as the podracers from Star Wars.
To minimise disturbance, the noise will be projected in the direction in which the vehicle is travelling. Lotus, which is developing electric and hybrid models, has adapted sound-cancelling technology to project a sound that changes with the speed.
The industry believes an artificial sound is likely to be needed only at speeds below 20mph because above that all vehicles create enough tyre noise to be heard.
Testing of various sounds begins this month at Warwick University, which is working with several electric-vehicle manufacturers in the West Midlands.
A test vehicle will project a different sound each week and assess the response of pedestrians.
Paul Jennings said: “We will have a week with music and weeks with natural sounds, engine noise and also with science-fiction sounds."
outa the way!
posted by patootie at 7:33 PM
2 Comments:
It is amazing how no one wants to be responsible for their own action.
When I learned to drive, I was taught to drive carefully. If someone stepped out in front of the car, I was instructed to use the brake. As a pedestrian, I was taught to look both ways before crossing.
Today's approach seems to be reverting to the 1910 policy of having someone with a red flag precede the vehicle. Common sense prevailed, and we no longer have to hire a flag bearer.
Too bad Europe and North America stopped using common sense years ago.
Marvin A. Hodges
San Diego, CA
yes its rite..
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