Honda Is Working On A Sound Alert System For EVs

Since electric and hybrid vehicles produce no noises, it is difficult for pedestrians to detect them, especially those who are visually and hearing impaired. Honda Motor Company is reportedly working to tackle this problem, right in India.

A patent for a sound alert system has been granted to the Japanese major. Once the system is completed, it can be put in electric as well as hybrid vehicles to warn pedestrians when they are coming close.

The idea behind the system is to alert pedestrians whenever these vehicles coming close, especially at low speeds, using an artificial sound. As opposed to IC engine vehicles, electric and hybrid cars are almost soundless. An artificial sound is needed as crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians have been recorded.

Compared to what other makers are aiming for, the new patent of Honda is a bit different. The new sound system is designed specifically for motorcycles. Because the two-wheelers, as opposed to four-wheelers, don’t have much space, the new sound system needs to be compact enough.

The system will be placed at a motorcycle’s rear, probably under the seat. Besides the audio processor, several speakers will be placed at the front.

The system’s working mechanism involves a predetermined sound alerted produced by the audio processor. The speakers at the front will be in charge of playing this sound. Moreover, the processor is also responsible for controlling when to play the sounds, for example, when the vehicle is under a certain speed. The sound’s volume can also be controlled based on the surrounding environments.

Upon the initial filing of the sound system, it was objected by the Patent Office, which was withdrawn after Honda submitted to the authorities the system’s detailed working. The patent was finally approved.

Honda is not the only one to work on a sound system for their EVs as several other automakers have also been doing some works on their own sound systems. The United States and EU recently made an announcement that it is a requirement for EVs to have some sound when traveling at love speeds around areas frequented by pedestrians.

The US even allows consumers to make their own choices regarding their vehicles’ sound.

Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, Daimler, Jaguar, and two-wheeler makers like Harley Davidson are all working on their own sounds for their upcoming EVs. Revolt Motors - an Indian two-wheelers manufacturer has also offered its consumers four artificial sounds for its two first electric bikes.