Photo: Tesla
In the United States of America, all new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles must be equipped with an acoustic device by September 1, 2019. What the NHTSA is referring to is “a sound requirement” that has a highly precise purpose. That is to “help prevent 2,400 pedestrian injuries a year,” or so says the NHTSA.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration ruled the audible alerts in FMVSS No. 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.” According to this federal motor vehicle safety standard, every newly manufactured hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric light-duty vehicle with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) or less will “produce sounds meeting the requirements of this standard so both blind and sighted pedestrians can more easily detect and recognize by hearing these vehicles.” Pretty straightforward, isn’t it?
Don’t, however, think that your Nissan Leaf or the upcoming Tesla Model 3 will go “swoosh” or artificially reproduce the sound of a big-block V8 on full song. According to FMVSS 141, which is attached at the end of this story in PDF form, the audible noise must be produced when reversing or at forward speeds of up to 19 miles (30 kilometers) per hour. The NHTSA also mentions that audible alerts aren’t required above the said speed, chiefly because tire and wind noise at higher speeds provide adequate warning to pedestrians.
"We all depend on our senses to alert us to possible danger," declared U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "With more, quieter hybrid and electrical cars on the road, the ability for all pedestrians to hear as well as see the cars becomes an important factor of reducing the risk of possible crashes and improving safety." In addition to that, the new safety standard is a reply to the Congress’ mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act.
When you think about it, it’s common sense for quiet cars such as hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs to evolve this way. One year before the deadline chosen by the NHTSA (September 1, 2018), the Department of Transportation expects that half of newly manufactured hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles will be compliant with the federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Don’t, however, think that your Nissan Leaf or the upcoming Tesla Model 3 will go “swoosh” or artificially reproduce the sound of a big-block V8 on full song. According to FMVSS 141, which is attached at the end of this story in PDF form, the audible noise must be produced when reversing or at forward speeds of up to 19 miles (30 kilometers) per hour. The NHTSA also mentions that audible alerts aren’t required above the said speed, chiefly because tire and wind noise at higher speeds provide adequate warning to pedestrians.
"We all depend on our senses to alert us to possible danger," declared U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "With more, quieter hybrid and electrical cars on the road, the ability for all pedestrians to hear as well as see the cars becomes an important factor of reducing the risk of possible crashes and improving safety." In addition to that, the new safety standard is a reply to the Congress’ mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act.
When you think about it, it’s common sense for quiet cars such as hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs to evolve this way. One year before the deadline chosen by the NHTSA (September 1, 2018), the Department of Transportation expects that half of newly manufactured hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles will be compliant with the federal motor vehicle safety standard.
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