EVs Are So Quiet That The EU Requires Them to Make Noise

Electric vehicles (EVs) are great news for the environment. Not operating at all on fossil fuels gives it quite a lot of environmental perks and it is a promising solution for the global warming crisis today.

However, running on an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine is problematic for people’s safety. Although the electric cars are near to being completely silent without having to combust fuel, regulators are fearing that the quietness of these cars could catch pedestrians and cyclists off-guard.

Introducing AVAS

It is a completely justifiable concern. That is why, to address this problem, regulators in the European Union have set out a law requiring new four-wheeled EVs to be equipped with a noise-making device starting from July 1st.

This device called an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), will be activated and made a humming noise when the vehicle is driving below 19 km/h. The noise is not annoying (Quite futuristic, actually) and it could stop you from crossing the street when an inattentive driver is cruising by.

Regulators have given a deadline of 2021 for all EVs in EU countries, including ones are driven today, to be equipped with AVAS. The cars already on the road will have to get themselves retrofitted in the near future.

Did Not Please Everyone, But A Great Move

Of course, as any regulations often go, it did not please anyone. Many advocates, particularly those who are concerned about safety like the charity organization Guide Dogs, have moved forth demands that the law be changed so that EVs made a sound at all speed regimes.

Meanwhile, people who are hoping that EVs could make for quieter streets are obviously unhappy. No matter the opinions, the new law is clearly a great step towards integrating EVs to society and assure some people that some of the risks and hazards related to EVs could be mitigated.