The automotive world is undergoing a dramatic transformation, transitioning from the roar of combustion engines to the near-silent hum of electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs and HEVs). This shift brings with it a critical safety concern: the risk posed to pedestrians, particularly the visually impaired, who rely on sound to navigate traffic. This has led to the rise of cars with speakers on the outside, emitting artificial sounds to alert those around them.
The Quiet Car Conundrum and the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act
The near silence of EVs and HEVs at low speeds raised significant safety concerns in the early 2000s. A writer and activist for the National Federation of the Blind, Debbie Stein, famously recounted an experience where she was unable to hear a hybrid car approaching, even at close range. This highlighted the potential danger these quiet vehicles presented.
In response, the United States passed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. This legislation mandated the development of minimum sound standards for hybrid and electric vehicles. The result was the “Quiet Car” standard, or FMVSS 141, issued in 2016 and implemented in 2021.
FMVSS 141: Giving Voice to Silent Vehicles
FMVSS 141 dictates that EVs and HEVs must emit an audible sound when traveling forward or backward at speeds below 18.6 mph (30 km/h). This “crossover” speed is the point at which tire and wind noise typically surpasses engine noise, making an electrified vehicle as audible as its gas-powered counterpart. Above this speed, no additional sound is required.
How It Works: External Speakers
The solution to meeting these requirements? External speakers. These speakers are strategically placed on the vehicle’s exterior, emitting sounds designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists to the vehicle’s presence. For example, a Tesla Model Y might have a speaker nestled between the right headlight and wheel well, while a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid could have one positioned between the grille and hood latch. Even electric delivery vans, like those Rivian produced for Amazon, utilize undercarriage-mounted speakers.
The Future Soundscape of the Roads
The implementation of external speakers on EVs and HEVs marks a significant change in the auditory landscape of our roads and communities. While the sounds emitted vary between manufacturers, they are all designed with pedestrian safety in mind. This innovative solution addresses a crucial safety concern, ensuring that the quiet revolution of electric vehicles doesn’t come at the expense of pedestrian well-being. As we continue to embrace quieter vehicles, the subtle hum of external speakers will become an increasingly familiar part of our daily lives.
