The electric vehicle (EV) market is steadily growing, and markets are continuously updating regulations for these vehicles to improve safety.
Now, worldwide markets are requiring EVs to make an alert sound to prevent pedestrian accidents. Basically, auto manufacturers are required to have an exterior sound that will alert pedestrians to the vehicle’s presence.
Mercedes-Benz has incorporated this alert into its EQC SUV, as required by both the United States and the European Union, and just last month, Jaguar incorporated its sound for its I-Pace SUV. Check out the video of the noise here:
The United States is requiring that the pedestrian alert sound occurs when a gear is engaged and that the noise becomes louder up to about 20 mph and then would begin to fade out, according to Mercedes.
But will the new noise actually make any difference? It’s certainly true that EVs are virtually noiseless, particularly at low speeds, therefore presenting a risk to pedestrians in crosswalks and parking lots, so regulators are hoping these requirements will improve safety.
The sound isn’t offensive or annoying but makes a rather light pinging noise—but will it be effective enough to do its job? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, at this time, buyers won’t be able to customize the noises on their own EV as the sound must comply with particular regulations.
The new pedestrian alert is currently available in EVs and hybrids from Mercedes-Benz as of July 2019, and older vehicles will not have to comply with the regulations.
Source: Electrek