Why making a noise for electric cars matters

It may seem like we have gone back in time, but with the number of electric cars and hybrids on the increase, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk wanted to see if opinion had changed on the issue of adding artificial noise to these types of super-quiet vehicles.

Sadly it would seem not, as the majority of people still believe that it should not be compulsory feature on electric and hybrid cars, with 63 per cent of website visitors voting against it in a recent poll.  Back in 2008, the website polled website visitors on the same issue and the results saw 55 per cent vote against artificial noise, and 16 per cent voting to leave it to the manufacturer’s discretion.

However with the EU, US and Japan among those considering bringing legislation to force vehicles to make a minimum noise level, it seems time may be against the carmakers before they have to produce cars that make a noise.

While concern about quiet vehicles has been centered on vulnerable road users such as the visually impaired and young children, it is TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk’s belief that even those who would not normally be considered at-risk could well be taken by surprise at the quietness of these types of vehicles. Research by the University of Cailfornia, Riverside reported that hybrid vehicles came 40 per cent closer to pedestrians than their combustion engine counterparts before they could detect their direction.

However at the moment it seems that public opinion is still lured by the thought of blissfully quiet streets, but the website warns that motorists should not hold much hope for this bohemian ideal.

Explains the website’s editor, Faye Sunderland: “The EU is already moving to act on this issue. It might sound nice to think that instead of listening to the roar of traffic on a busy street, we will be able to hear the birds sing but the truth is it won’t be like that.

“Electric and hybrid cars don’t have to make the same noise as conventional cars however, they present us with a chance to change that irritating roar into something more pleasant. It is a chance to reduce the risks associated with excessive traffic noise which comes with its own health hazards.”