The Weird Sounds of Electric Cars
Imagine sitting in your car, waiting for your girlfriend to finish shopping, and you hear a weird sound that some describe as a spaceship or something from a Star Trek soundtrack. What is it? Is it coming from your radio? The sound can be described as a hum, whir, beep, or chime, and it’s a safety feature designed to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with visual impairments that a vehicle is approaching. This feature is crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), as they are often quieter than traditional vehicles, making it difficult to hear them approach.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6: A Unique Sound
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is known for its futuristic sounds, which some people find fun and engaging, while others find them distracting or unnatural. The car’s pedestrian alerting system produces a unique sound that can be compared to a spaceship.
The Active Sound Design System
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 features an “Active Sound Design” system that allows drivers to personalize the soundtrack of their vehicle. This system plays virtual powertrain sounds through the internal speakers when the accelerator is pressed, offering different sound profiles and volume levels.
Why Do Some New EVs Make This Sound?
A report from Kelley Blue Book emphasizes the safety aspect, stating, “All newer EVs and plug-in hybrids make a hum, whir, beep, or chime sound to help warn playing children, joggers, and animals of an approaching car. Only some vehicles have artificial engine sounds to make them sound like a performance car.”
What are Those Weird Sounds Coming from the Car?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s sound is often described as a “crazy electric sound” that some compare to a spaceship. The car’s unique sound system is designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists that a vehicle is approaching.
Other EV Models with Unique Sounds
Tesla’s pedestrian warning sounds are often described as a “whirring” or “humming” sound; some find its reversing sound spaceship-like. The Kia EV6’s sound is compared to a “space shuttle,” according to a Reddit thread. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also investing in sound design for their EVs, aiming for futuristic and emotionally engaging sounds.
Factors Affecting the Sound
The sound might change depending on whether the car is moving forward or reversing. Different EV models and trims within the same model might have distinct sounds. The sound is typically active at low speeds (below roughly 20 mph).
What are Others Saying About the Strange EV Sounds?
Noise perception can vary from person to person. Some may find the artificial sounds in Hyundai EVs fun and engaging, while others may find them distracting or unnatural. Reddit users chime in, with some expressing their dislike for the sounds, while others praise their uniqueness.
The Future of EV Sound Design
The field of EV sound design is wide open, and automakers are experimenting with different sounds and directions. As General Motors Regulatory Sound Engineer Glenn Pietila told USA Today, “There are a lot of different directions people are going.”
The Conclusion
Electric car sounds are here to stay, so getting used to them may take some time. While this feature aims to enhance safety, it has also sparked public fascination and criticism due to its unique auditory experience. It was so strange that Lucas thought the world was ending.
It’s Your Turn
What do you think of EV sounds? Which EV, in your opinion, has the most unique sound? Click on the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Join the conversation about the future of EV sound design.
