Acoustic Automobile Styling in the Age of Electric Vehicles

In a world where the automotive landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, one aspect often overlooked is the soundscape of our cities. With the rise of electric vehicles (E.V.s), the familiar roar of internal combustion engines has given way to a more subdued hum. While these quieter streets are undoubtedly a boon, they present new challenges in ensuring pedestrian safety and understanding a vehicle’s behavior. Welcome to the era of acoustic automobile styling.

The Soundscape Shift

The advent of electric vehicles has ushered in a quieter era of transportation. Gone are the days of roaring engines, replaced by the gentle whirring of electric motors. While this transition is celebrated for its environmental benefits and reduced noise pollution, it poses a unique challenge: the audibility of electric vehicles on the road.

Electric vehicles are remarkably quiet, which, on the one hand, contributes to a more peaceful urban environment. However, this newfound silence has raised concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for visually impaired individuals who rely on auditory cues to navigate the streets. To address these concerns, regulations have been put in place to ensure that electric vehicles make their presence known through alert sounds.

The Role of Regulation

In response to the unique challenges posed by quiet electric vehicles, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) issued directives under the Passenger Safety Enhancement Act. These directives grant automakers the autonomy to design their own branded alert sounds for electric vehicles. However, these sounds must meet specific parameters to ensure effectiveness.

The regulations governing electric vehicle alert sounds focus on three critical aspects: decibel levels, pitch, and sound morphology. These elements are carefully calibrated to strike a balance between audibility and comfort. The goal is to create alert sounds that can be heard by pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users without causing annoyance or noise pollution.

Decibel Levels and Pitch

One of the key considerations in designing electric vehicle alert sounds is the decibel level. Decibels measure the volume of sound, indicating the intensity of auditory information. Striking the right decibel level is crucial because a sound that’s too soft might go unnoticed, while one that’s too loud could be intrusive and irritating.

Pitch, on the other hand, refers to the frequency of the sound. It determines whether the sound is perceived as high-pitched or low-pitched. Adjusting pitch is a delicate task, as it can influence how people interpret the sound. A high-pitched alert might be associated with a sense of urgency, while a lower pitch might convey a sense of calm.

Creating a Cohesive Sound

Crafting the perfect alert sound for electric vehicles is akin to creating a unique perfume. Each sound comprises base, middle, and top notes, carefully blended to produce a harmonious and evocative auditory experience. These layers come together to form an organic or futuristic sound that aligns with the brand’s identity and the vehicle’s purpose.

For example, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq features an alert sound inspired by the didgeridoo, an Australian wind instrument known for its perfect fifth interval. This choice reflects Cadillac’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and the fusion of tradition with the future.

In contrast, the electric Hummer, a behemoth of a vehicle, emits a more distorted and bold sound. This choice aligns with the Hummer’s rugged and powerful image, ensuring that the vehicle’s alert is as commanding as its presence on the road.

Safety and Brand Identity

While safety is paramount in designing alert sounds for electric vehicles, automakers also consider brand identity. These alert sounds have become a form of acoustic automobile styling, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to identify the approaching vehicle’s brand.

Imagine a future where you can differentiate between a luxury electric sedan and a sporty electric coupe based on their distinctive alert sounds. This innovative approach reflects the evolving landscape of automotive design, where auditory cues are as vital as visual aesthetics.

The Evolving Preferences

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, consumer preferences for alert sounds are evolving. Many people believe that electric vehicles should not emulate the sounds of internal combustion engine (I.C.E.) cars. Instead, they envision higher frequencies that signify clean energy and advanced technology. Electric vehicles are seen as the transportation mode of the future, akin to the flying personal vehicles depicted in science-fiction films like “The Fifth Element,” “Gattaca,” “Blade Runner,” and “Star Wars.”

Interestingly, some of these iconic science-fiction vehicle sounds were initially created using recorded I.C.E. noise. In Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner 2049,” for instance, the futuristic flying vehicles sound eerily similar to traditional cars.

Designing the Future Soundscape

As we transition into the age of electric vehicles, the symphony of our streets is evolving. What was once the growl of combustion engines is now the subtle hum of electric power. In this soundscape of innovation, automakers are harmonizing safety, style, and sustainability, paving the way for a quieter yet distinctly audible future on our roads.

Jigar Kapadia, the creative sound director for General Motors, encapsulates the essence of this transformative era. He recognizes that his work influences the way the world sounds and that the possibilities are endless in crafting the auditory identity of electric vehicles. As technology advances and electric vehicles become the norm, the sounds of the road are set to evolve in ways we can only begin to imagine.