Audi Developing Electric Car Sound

The electric vehicle are now a part of the contemporary automotive landscape, offering an eco motoring alternative. However, this kind of cars produce no sound at low, city cruising speeds, therefore posing a threat for pedestrians.

Multiple automotive producers are addressing this issue by developing an “artificial” sound track for their electric vehicles. The U.S and Japan have already introduced laws that require electric cars to produce a certain level of noise.

Audi is the latest company to join this club. The German automaker is currently working to develop a special sound for its upcoming electric vehicles. The company hasn’t decided yet which type of sound these cars will produce, considering anything from a V8 roar to a turbocharger storm. However, the company claims that it wants to create a new type of sound that will become a trademark for Audi electric cars.

“The obvious approach would be to work on the basis of the familiar sound of a combustion engine,” said Christian Schuller, Head of Brand Development/Corporate Identity. “On the other hand, we want to underscore that an electric or hybrid Audi is an innovative product. We also want to make our Vorsprung durch Technik audible in the era of electric mobility.”

“The sounds used for space ships in films are reminiscent of car sounds, yet are also very different, making this a rather interesting approach. But the sound will be new and unusual. The Audi RSQ from the Hollywood film ‘I, Robot’ gives an indication of how an Audi might sound in the future.” added Dr. Ralf Kunkel, Head of Acoustics at AUDI AG.