Safety concerns around silent approach of EVs suggested in poll

Almost half (47%) of pedestrians say they are concerned about how quiet electric vehicles (EVs) are when in transit, new research suggests.

The poll, from Venson Automotive Solutions, also found that more than a quarter (27%) of respondents had recently been taken by surprise by the almost silent approach of a plug-in car.

The findings come despite the introduction of EU regulations on EV noise levels, which have required the use of an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) since 2019.

Venson says that without tighter regulation and greater consistency on the artificial noises a plug-in vehicle makes, the safety of vulnerable road users could continue to be put at risk.

It highlights academic research, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), that found pedestrians may be twice as likely to be hit by an EV or hybrid car compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.

Some 49% of those surveyed by Venson said they think the running noise of an EV should be a standard one that all manufacturers must use.

However, more than a third (37%) of those surveyed feel that car buyers should be able to determine the noise their EV makes in transit, choosing from a predetermined list of regulated options available from the manufacturer.

Only 13% believed that manufacturers should be able to have their own standard but regulated noise, that differentiates their brand.

Currently, when an EV is being driven at low speed or in reverse, a noise automatically starts; in type they can vary from clearly artificial bells and chimes to those that mimic engine sounds or tyres moving over gravel.

One -in-four (26%) said they would prefer EVs to have a noise that mimics a traditional ICE engine, the next most popular choice was a continuous low decibel sound, which 21% of road users would choose.

Simon Staton, client management director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “It is easy to see how the stealth-like approach of some EVs, coupled with the varying beeps and chimes of these vehicles when driven in reverse, can cause confusion to some of the UKs more vulnerable pedestrians, like children or those who are hard of hearing.

“Of course, the integration of AVAS into hybrid vehicles back in 2019 was a tremendously positive step, but as our research reveals, 27% of road users have narrowly avoided an incident with an EV so more needs to be done.

“When people rely on sound to judge the presence, location, and speed of vehicles to protect themselves from harm, easily recognised sounds that can be clearly heard are voted the best.”