**Sound Bites**
In the world of electric cars, silence is not golden. While some drivers relish the quiet and efficiency of EVs, others lament the lack of soundtrack. For petrolheads, the absence of engine noise is a major drawback. But manufacturers are taking steps to bridge the gap.

The Sound Solution

Car manufacturers are employing innovative sound design techniques to create a more immersive driving experience. From bespoke soundscapes to simulated gear shifts, the goal is to make EVs feel like combustion engine cars.

BMW’s HypersonX Sound Technology

BMW’s new HypersonX sound technology is designed to create an emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle. The system comprises 43 sound signals, tailored to specific driving modes, including Personal and Sport Mode. In Personal Mode, the sounds are inspired by nature and art, while Sport Mode focuses on the essentials.

Porsche’s Electric Sport Sound

Porsche’s Electric Sport Sound is designed to harmonise emotive sounds that match the car’s actions. The system is tailored to the vehicle’s personality and status, and can be activated and deactivated using the Sport Plus driving mode. Porsche also incorporates a standard system to meet legal requirements for pedestrian protection.

Hyundai’s N Active Sound

Hyundai’s N Active Sound+ is a synthetic engine noise system that mimics a combustion engine. The technology produces varied noises depending on the user’s preferences and can be adjusted to fit different sound styles. The system is designed to make the Ioniq 5 N feel like a high-performance car.

• Ignition: a realistic rendition of the high-performance N engine sound
• Evolution: a high-performance electric soundscape with fast cornering lateral effect
• Supersonic: a jet, sonic-boom inspired gear shift noise

Electric Car Noise: The Safety Aspect

Electric cars pose a risk to pedestrians due to their silence. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that EV cars are twice as likely to hit pedestrians as ICE cars. EU regulations require vehicles to use Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) since 2019, but more robust regulations are needed.

Conclusions

The use of sound design in electric cars is becoming increasingly important. While manufacturers are employing innovative techniques to create a more immersive driving experience, more needs to be done to address the safety concerns surrounding EVs. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more emphasis on sound design and its impact on the driving experience.

As manufacturers invest in sound design, they are not only creating a more engaging driving experience but also addressing the safety concerns surrounding EVs. By providing a more immersive sound, manufacturers can help reduce the risk of accidents and make EVs feel more like combustion engine cars.

“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically.” – Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group

As the sound design business continues to grow, we can expect to see more innovative solutions to address the challenges facing EVs.
Key takeaways:

• Manufacturers are employing innovative sound design techniques to create a more immersive driving experience.
• Electric cars pose a risk to pedestrians due to their silence, highlighting the need for more robust regulations.
• Sound design is becoming increasingly important in the EV industry.

The use of sound design in electric cars is a growing trend, with manufacturers investing heavily in creating a more engaging and immersive driving experience.