INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightEPAImage caption
Porsche's Taycan can generate louder sounds to warn pedestrians it is approaching
Owners of electric cars should be able to choose the noise their vehicle makes to alert pedestrians, says a US road safety
body.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says car makers may give several sound choices to owners of the "quiet
cars".Vehicles must generate the noise when travelling at less than 30 kph (19mph).The NHTSA is also asking the public how many types of
sounds cars can make, and how loud they can be.The road safety regulator says electric cars are so quiet at low speeds that they pose a
danger to "blind and sighted pedestrians, as well as bicyclists".Calls to ensure electric and hybrids were noisy enough to hear when moving
at low speeds began in 2010, and rules to ensure vehicles complied were first drafted in 2016
At higher speeds tyre noise and wind resistance are deemed to be loud enough to warn other road users or pedestrians.Makers of
battery-powered vehicles were initially given until 1 September 2019 to ensure their models complied with the regulations
The deadline to make quiet cars and other vehicles noisier has now been extended to 2020.Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption
Rock band Linkin Park has worked with Mercedes AMG on car noises
The first draft of the NHTSA regulations demanded
that cars make only one type of sound
In response to requests from car makers, the NHTSA has suggested that vehicles be allowed to make several sounds
Public reaction to this proposal is now being sought.Artificial engine sounds available on existing models, such as the Mitsubishi
Outlander, generally make the hum of the battery-driven engine louder.Mercedes AMG has worked with rock band Linkin Park to make distinctive
sounds for its electric vehicles
petrol engine.Nissan has trialled a warning system called Canto that adds a choral element to the engine's whirr.In Europe, the inclusion
of warning sounds became mandatory on new types of vehicle made after 1 July, 2019
On hybrid and electric cars made before this date it was optional.
