How Sound Engineering is Shaping Electric Vehicles
WORDS BY ANBY ALCOMENDAS
The quiet operation of electric vehicles( EVs) has led to an unexpected area of innovation: the development of artificial driving sounds. As EV adoption increases, manufacturers are creating distinct, and in some cases adjustable, acoustic signatures to improve safety and maintain brand identity.
Sound as a Safety Feature
Unlike combustion engine vehicles, EVs produce little noise at low speeds. While this reduces urban noise and improves cabin comfort, it can increase risks for pedestrians and cyclists, especially those with vision impairments.
To mitigate this, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe( UNECE) introduced Regulation No. 138, requiring electric and hybrid vehicles to include an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System( AVAS). The system activates when the vehicle travels below 20 km / h or reverses and must produce a sound between 56 and 75 decibels, similar to normal street noise.
Australia and New Zealand have adopted these standards through the Australian Design Rule( ADR) 31 / 03 and the New Zealand Transport Agency’ s Low Volume Vehicle Code. These align local certification with international safety expectations, ensuring EVs remain detectable to vulnerable road users.
Brand Identity Through Sound
With traditional engine noise disappearing, sound has become part of brand differentiation. Automakers are designing tones that reflect their identity and performance philosophy.
BMW partnered with composer Hans Zimmer to create“ IconicSounds Electric,” a series of sound profiles tailored to each model’ s character. Hyundai and Kia use a Virtual Engine Sound System( VESS) that adjusts pitch and rhythm with vehicle speed, while Nissan’ s Canto system adapts tone based on acceleration and deceleration to provide a consistent yet unobtrusive alert for pedestrians.
In Japan, some brands are experimenting with tones inspired by local instruments and natural ambient sounds to convey cultural identity through acoustic design.
The Rise of Customisable Sounds
Manufacturers are beginning to explore limited sound personalisation within regulatory boundaries.
The Fiat 500e allows drivers to switch between pre-set tone profiles that match different driving modes. Mercedes-Benz offers selectable ambient themes in its EQS and EQE models, such as“ Silver Waves” or“ Vivid Flux.”
14 ISSUE 55 OCTOBER 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU