Those who see an electric car driving down the street often associate this type of model with silence . Indeed, the absence of a combustion engine makes the experience much more discreet, especially at urban speeds. However, many drivers are surprised to find that several electric cars emit an artificial sound precisely when driving more slowly.
This noise is not a defect , nor is it a characteristic exclusive to a particular brand. On the contrary: it is a technology developed to increase the safety of pedestrians , cyclists, and visually impaired people, who might have difficulty perceiving the approach of a virtually silent car.
“Noise” exists to prevent accidents.
The technology is known as Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) . The system uses external speakers to emit a continuous sound at low speeds, generally up to 20 km/h or 30 km/h, depending on the regulations adopted by the market where the car was homologated. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) established the technical requirements for this system through Regulation No. 138, used as a reference by various manufacturers worldwide.
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The concern didn’t arise by chance. Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States have shown that electric and hybrid cars are more likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians during maneuvers or at low speeds precisely because they produce less noise than conventional models. Based on these conclusions, different countries have begun requiring the adoption of artificial sound systems in new projects.
Can the driver turn off that noise?
In some models there is a button that allows you to temporarily deactivate the system , usually for specific situations, such as driving in private areas. However, in vehicles approved under more recent international standards, AVAS is automatically reactivated whenever the car is started.
It’s also worth noting that the sound isn’t standardized across brands . Each manufacturer develops its own sonic identity, as long as it respects the minimum and maximum frequency and intensity limits defined by technical standards. Some models simulate a slight electronic hum , while others produce sounds inspired by turbines or synthesizers.
The central point of the discussion , as we said, is the safety of pedestrians and cyclists , who often do not notice the approach of electric or hybrid cars due to the silence of the engine. This “electric silence ,” incidentally, is having a different impact on city traffic ; check it out.