Why Do Electric Cars Make Noise in Reverse?
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as people are becoming more environmentally conscious. They are sleek and stylish, with eco-friendly benefits, but have you ever wondered why they make a noise when they are reversing?
Regulations
Although electric cars are designed to be quiet, they have to make a noise when reversing to meet regulations that have been set in place. These regulations were developed to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities caused by electric cars, as they are so quiet that they may not be noticed by people walking nearby.
Noise Standards
In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made a rule that all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids that operate in electric-only mode should make a sound that alerts pedestrians. This rule applies to all hybrid and electric cars made from September 2019 onwards.
The regulations require the noise level to be between 43 and 68 decibels, which is roughly the same noise level as an air conditioning unit or a conversation in a quiet room.
The Sound of Electric Cars in Reverse
The noise that electric cars make in reverse is usually a beeping sound. This is to alert people that the car is reversing and is a classic warning noise that we are all used to hearing from other cars. The beeping noise is designed to be loud enough to be heard over ambient sounds, but not too loud that it is obnoxious or distracting.
The Future of Electric Car Noises
In the future, electric cars may have even more sounds to warn pedestrians of their presence. Some prototypes suggest that EVs could make a futuristic “whooshing” sound, while others are considering adding in fake engine noises to make the electric car experience more familiar.
Overall, electric cars are quiet and eco-friendly but have to make a noise in reverse to meet regulations. This noise is usually a beeping noise that is not too loud or distracting. As electric cars continue to evolve, their sounds may evolve too, making the electric car experience even more futuristic.
