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Lotus Adds Fake "Vroom" Sounds to Electric Cars

by Dan Reilly on August 7, 2008 at 01:09 PM



As we reported two months ago, electric cars, while great for the environment, can be a threat to pedestrians. The eco-friendly engines are so quiet that cyclists, the blind, and other motorists have difficulty hearing them coming, increasing the risk of accidents. The solution finally emerged as British car manufacturer Lotus has invented speakers that emit a normal engine sound from the front of the vehicles, making the streets safe again.

The system uses waterproof speakers placed next to the radiator in the cars that project different sounds based on speed and throttle. In hybrids, the noise will be played only when the car is operating in electric mode; in electric-only cars, it's always on. Since the speakers face forwards, the sound won't be heard once the car passes and is barely audible to its occupants.

The idea is supported by a study in which blindfolded participants could hear normal cars 36 feet away while the Prius was only detected at 11 feet. Of course, this is a moot point if you're listening to music or crossing the street while texting. Then, you're just asking for it, no matter what kind of car hits you. [Source: Daily Mail]

Tags: electric cars, ElectricCars, lotus, sound effects, SoundEffects, weird

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