NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made it a rule saying electric cars must make noise, to help pedestrians.

By Rajkamal

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a new rule, under which electric cars must make some noise when travelling at low speeds.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

As bizarre as the rule sounds, it does make sense. The rule is to avoid pedestrians being caught off guard around electric vehicles, especially those who are visually impaired or people who are deaf.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

Electric mobility is the future of automobiles as many carmakers have shifted focus from traditional internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles hardly make any noise, unlike their gas burning counterparts.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

As per the new rule, all newly manufactured electric vehicles must make an audible noise when travelling at 19mph (30km/h) or below. The noise is mandatory only while the vehicle is travelling slow.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

The NHTSA says that no noise is needed at higher speeds because of factors such as wind and tyre noise that are audible. Carmakers are free to choose if the car should beep or rumble like a good old V8, as the rule does not specify what noise the cars should make.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

Electric carmakers have until September 1, 2019, to equip their vehicles with the new alert, but half of new hybrid and electric vehicles must be in compliance one year before the final deadline.

NHTSA Issues New Rule — Electric Cars Must Make Noise; Wait, What?

Carmakers are looking for ways to make electric cars make some noise, like Porsche for example, not because of the rule, but because sports car enthusiasts would be satisfied.

Most Read Articles

English
Read more on: #auto news
Article Published On: Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 16:30 [IST]
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X