The debate over EV sounds: how quiet is too quiet?

Carmakers of every line are trying to steer the switchover to electric propulsion, but one minor problem in the change keeps bobbing up: What kind of noise should electric automobiles make? Many possible explanations exist, but my vote goes to “as little as possible.”

Navigating the Transition to Electric Propulsion

Carmakers across the industry are navigating the switch to electric propulsion, but a recurring issue is what kind of noise electric cars should make. While there are many potential answers, my vote is for “as little as possible.”

Personal Experience with Electric and Gas Vehicles

Full disclosure: I own and happily drive an electric car. The brand and model are unimportant; what matters is that it’s fully electric—not a hybrid, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell powered, or an electro-restomod. It’s a small, affordable car with a large battery and a 200-horsepower motor that gets my family and me around just fine. It’s actually fun to drive and is incredibly quiet.

For further context, I also own several not-very-quiet gas-powered motorcycles and a diesel pickup truck with a stock exhaust that you can hear from a distance. I love the mechanical symphony of a well-tuned gas engine, like those powering my motorbikes, but I love the silence of my electric car even more.

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The Evolution of Engine Noise

We’ve faced this issue before. Some gas-powered cars were so quiet that manufacturers had to pump an artificial engine soundtrack into the cabin via the OEM stereo. As electric vehicles began to mature, the debate about what they should sound like when running on electrons emerged.

Hyundai’s Approach to EV Noise

Hyundai recently took a bold step with the Ionic 5 N, which emits a fake howl both inside and outside the car. They call it “feedback” for the driver, and it includes shift point changes as if you were using a manual transmission in a car with exactly one gear.

Thankfully, this noise can be turned off or at least turned down.

A Case for Silence

While some may enjoy or even require auditory feedback for various reasons, the case for minimal noise is compelling.

Silence enhances the driving experience by reducing noise pollution and increasing the overall tranquility of the ride. For those accustomed to the constant hum of internal combustion engines, the near-silent operation of electric vehicles can be a welcome change.

In conclusion, as electric vehicles become more prevalent, the debate over their artificial noise will continue. However, the advantages of quieter vehicles make a strong case for embracing the silence and redefining our expectations of what driving should sound like.