Sound and EV
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are garnering worldwide attention due to their many advantages over vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Global EV sales have increased by roughly 30% annually over the past decade, according to data compiled by the World Economic Forum and Statista. The eco-friendliness of EVs due to zero CO2 emissions is one of the significant quotients contributing to their rise in popularity. Additionally, electric vehicles are propelled by motors that produce minimal to no noise or vibration while operating at peak efficiency.
On the other end of the spectrum, however, the low sound emissions have led to new challenges regarding acoustic warning systems, particularly for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and those with physical limitations. The European Blind Union (EBU) made a concerted effort to draw attention to the dangers of silent transportation, which can accelerate from zero to a hundred miles per hour in under ten seconds. This could pose a serious threat to the visually challenged. In light of the growing concerns, UN 138 legislation requires that all electric and hybrid vehicles sold in the European Union be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in effect from July 1, 2021.
What’s the Solution?
As part of its commitment to public safety and compliance with EV legislation, we at THOR AVAS conduct our operations in accordance with the UN 138 legislation currently in effect, aiming to improve the acoustic ecology of cities with synthetic, artificial intelligent acoustic vehicle warning systems. Solutions such as THOR AVAS, THOR EV, and THOR Classic have been developed with the highest possible level of synchronization. The primary emphasis was placed on creating electric vehicle warning sounds by transforming a wide variety of noise into notes that are harmonious and audio effects that are multi-layered and sonically pleasing.
Read more in the next article “Creating Sounds for EV”