Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, and for a good reason- they’re eco-friendly, save on gas, and are much quieter than traditional gas cars. But can electric cars make noise?
Electric cars can make noise if owners install artificial sounds into the car. These sounds can make the car sound like it has a traditional gas engine, or they can be customized to make other noises. Although these cars are usually quiet, owners should install artificial sounds for safety reasons.
Read on for more information on why electric vehicles are generally silent and why some owners add artificial sounds to their cars.
In general, EVs make up to 40 decibels of noise, which is equivalent to the sound of a humming fridge. Since these vehicles lack an internal combustion engine, they are virtually silent, except for tire and wind noise.
Also, since electric cars have a single-speed transmission, they do not produce gear noise. In addition, EVs do not make exhaust or fuel-pumping noise. However, recent regulations require manufacturers to add artificial noise to electric vehicles- mainly so pedestrians and the blind can hear them.
In an intriguing experiment, the YouTube channel, RSymons RSEV, compared the amount of noise different EVs make and the results were as highlighted in the following video:
Tip: For additional insights into how an EV works, what to look for when buying one, and its pros and cons, I recommend reading The Ultimate Guide for Understanding the Electric Car And What You Need to Know (available on Amazon.com).
Generally, EVs do not produce much noise from the inside due to the absence of engine noise. However, drivers may hear the sounds of cooling fans when driving at lower speeds and tire and wind noise when driving at higher speeds.
Besides the lack of an engine, several factors contribute to this feature of EVs. For example, most EVs feature sound insulation and sound-absorbing materials, such as foam and carpeting.
Also, EVs use lightweight electric motors with thin stators that further reduce noise levels. Further, powertrain components such as transmission and differentials are noiseless since they do not need to transfer engine torque.
In addition, EVs utilize direct drive systems without intermediaries. To make EVs more audible from the inside, most manufacturers have added artificial noises to their vehicles’ sound systems.
When it comes to noise, the tires on an electric car are just as important as those in a traditional vehicle. Nonetheless, many EVs come equipped with tires that help minimize road noise.
On average, EV tires generate 83-108 decibels of noise at speeds ranging between 30 km/h and 80 km/h. Besides, tire features and the surface type affects the amount of noise EV tires make. For example, EVs produce the least noise on poroelastic surfaces.
We found out if Electric Cars Will Make Motorways Quieter. Check it out!
At the moment, the T1113 is the quietest tire on the market. According to a study published in the Proceedings of Euronoise Journal, the T1113 generates 104 decibels of noise at 80 km/h and was designed specifically for electric cars — it has a narrow tread and a wide outer diameter.
On the contrary, the study established that the T1075 is the loudest EV tire. Unlike the T1113, T1075 has a wider tread and a narrower diameter.
| T1075 | T1083 | T1095 | T1113 | |
| 30 km/h | 86 dB | 84 dB | 83 dB | Less than 80 dB |
| 50 km/h | 95 dB | 93 dB | 92 dB | 92 dB |
| 80 km/h | 108 dB | 105 dB | 104 dB | 104 dB |
As mentioned earlier, some EV manufacturers have added artificial noises to their cars to make them more audible from the inside. However, not all EVs are created equal when it comes to noise levels. In fact, some electric cars are much louder than others.
McMurtry Spierling makes the loudest noise among all EV manufacturers. Besides, the Rolls Royce Spectre is considered to be another loud electric car.
The McMurtry Spierling is loud since it features a massive fan at the car’s rear. This fan is used to offer downforce, essential for high-performance electric cars.
The Rolls Royce Spectre is loud because engineers tuned the rear seat frame and trunk to vibrate at low frequency. This makes the car sound louder than it actually is.
We wrote a detailed article about All the Best Tesla Sounds and Noises To Get To Know. Feel free to have a look!
You will find more infographics at StatistaAmong all the artificial noises that EV manufacturers have added to their cars, fart mode is probably one of the most infamous. But what exactly is it, and how do you activate it?
Fart mode refers to the farting sound some Teslas emit when users press the “fart on demand” or “fart using turn” signal in Emissions Testing Mode. Tesla owners can use this feature to get the attention of pedestrians outside and cyclists nearby.
Here’s how to activate the fart mode on your Tesla:
Back in 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a set of regulations that require electric cars to produce sounds that can warn pedestrians, especially those who are blind or have low vision. According to these regulations, all EVs must produce sounds that are both loud and unique to be easily identified.
Therefore, Teslas sound like spaceships to comply with NHTSA requirements on producing sounds to alert inattentive pedestrians or those with visual impairments and prevent accidents.
Currently, electric cars are not known for their great sound quality. In fact, many people find them to be quite bland and uninspiring. This is mainly because electric motors don’t make the same noise as gas-powered engines.
Nonetheless, electric cars can sound good if owners request custom upgrades that include the necessary artificial noises. For example, Porsche offers a “sport sound package” for its electric cars that features simulated engine noise.
That’s why some EV manufacturers have added artificial noises to their cars to make them more audible.
These noises range from the mundane (fart mode) to the exotic (spaceship sounds).
Finally, while electric cars may not be known for their great sound quality, owners can easily change this with a custom upgrade.
