Hybrid Cars Could Be Required To Make Very Loud Noise

There is a side benefit to electric cars that are often cited as a minor but important feature. There is legislation in the works that would require sound. Electric and hybrid automobiles are especially targeted. Hybrid cars and electric automobiles could be made noisier with after-market parts. This equipment, however, may soon become mandatory.

Why quiet vehicles are bad

Hybrids and electric automobiles tend to be fairly quiet when going slow. At speeds above 20 miles per hour, the air resistance against the vehicle does make some sound, but it is usually not as loud as gasoline-powered engines. Sound pollution could be helped greatly with these cars. It is still a problem for any person who needs the sound though. Pedestrians, cyclists and sight-impaired individuals often can't identify which direction a hybrid or electric vehicle is coming from until they're very close. A hybrid or electric vehicle is two times more likely to hit a pedestrian. This is mostly only when it is going at very slow speeds.

Those making vehicles concerned

Most car makers are already working on the car noise issue. This includes companies such as Nissan Motors. The Nissan Leaf is reportedly going to be making a "futuristic buzzing noise" in later models. Separate businesses, for instance Lotus Engineering, are creating kits that add realistic motor rumbling to hybrid cars. A Prius can be converted to sound like a race automobile with one kit. Some kits will make a hybrid sound like an 8- or 12-cylinder automobile. This will give people noise whenever they're ready.

International criteria to create

A requirement for vehicle sound can be put together by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Regulation like this is being considered in the European Union. Some automobile makers have considered sounds based on natural noises, but many sight-impaired advocacy groups argue against this choice. In order to ease the transition and prevent any problems with electronic sound on freeways, the Society of Automotive Engineers is hoping to create worldwide standards.