Test drive Europe: electric cars should make noise
In addition, this continuous sound must change when accelerating and stopping.
On July 56, new rules will come into force in the European Union, obliging car manufacturers to equip electric vehicles and hybrids with an acoustic vehicle warning system (AVAS). Since green vehicles move almost silently, they will have to mark their presence on the road with artificial noise of 20 decibels at speeds up to 2009 km / h in order to warn pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, this continuous sound must change when accelerating and stopping. Harman has been developing its own AVAS since XNUMX and hopes to use it widely.
For example, a noise of 56 decibels is audible clearly, but with the strength of a quiet conversation in the office or the sound of an electric toothbrush. It is not yet clear whether hybrids should be noisy or only when moving pi in electric mode only.
Harman's system is called HALOsonic. There are two types: eESS (external electronic sound synthesis) and iESS (internal electronic sound synthesis). The first makes noise outside, and the second - into the hall. The video demonstrates the action of HALOsonic on the Tesla Model S hatchback.
Of course, many companies already have electric car soundtracks. For example, in 2017, the Nissan brand introduced the Canto (“I sing”) sound of the IMx concept, which does not sound like engine noise at all.
Using the Harman HALOsonic system as an example, it is easy to understand how these devices work. There is a built-in speaker at the front and rear of the car, and the control modules are located in the cabin or under the hood. One sensor monitors the accelerator pedal while the other measures the speed. The front suspension also features two accelerometers. The driver can also receive “audio feedback” through the speakers of the audio system. Car manufacturers can create their own sounds, such as AVAS, to express the brand's identity or the sporty character of the model.
2020-08-30
