Plain English What sound should a quiet car make?
Oct 27, 2025
Electric vehicles, while eco-friendly, pose safety risks due to their silence. Regulations are now forcing them to make noise, but the type of sound is up to manufacturers. Some brands are getting creative, with sounds reflecting their identity—think Hummer vs. Cadillac. Notably, high-profile composers like Hans Zimmer are collaborating to design unique vehicle sounds. The discussion highlights the balance between safety and branding in this evolving automotive landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin Of The Backup Alarm
- Ed Peterson invented the backup alarm after observing deadly accidents on construction sites.
- His simple alarm became one of the most recognizable safety sounds worldwide.
Silence Removes Critical Safety Cues
- Electric vehicles are much quieter, removing an important auditory cue for pedestrians and cyclists.
- That quietness undermines our subconscious ability to judge a vehicle’s distance and speed.
Regulations Require Low-Speed Noise
- Regulators now require electric cars to emit external noise at low speeds to protect road users.
- Rules target low speeds because tire and wind noise suffice at higher speeds.