How do electric cars make that sound?
Electric cars are quiet, but they aren’t silent. At low speeds they rely on an artificial, regulated sound to alert pedestrians, while at higher speeds the noise you hear usually comes from tires and wind. In short, cars use a combination of built-in speakers, digital sound design, and natural road noise to create their audible presence.
Why electric cars are quiet
Because electric motors lack the combustion and gear whine of traditional engines, EVs produce far less mechanical noise. That silence can be a safety risk for pedestrians and cyclists, so manufacturers and regulators require some audible cue at low speeds. Beyond safety, sound design also helps convey presence and character without sacrificing the benefits of electric propulsion.
The following list highlights how sound is created, delivered, and tuned in most modern electric vehicles.
- Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) or similar active sound systems that emit a detectable tone when the vehicle moves at low speeds and when reversing.
- Active Sound Design (ASD) and synthetic engine-like or turbine-like tones that give EVs a sense of propulsion, sometimes described as a “driving soundtrack.”
- Natural sounds from the environment, including tire noise and wind, which become more noticeable as speed increases and the vehicle’s acoustic signature blends with ambient noise.
- Additional audible cues such as a beep for safety alerts or proximity warnings in certain scenarios (e.g., when near pedestrians or in reverse).
In practice, a car’s audible footprint is a carefully engineered mix of active sounds and passive noises designed to be noticeable but not overwhelming, and to respect local noise regulations.
How the sounds are created and delivered
Sound in electric cars is produced by a digital system that analyzes speed, torque, and vehicle state, then outputs audio through dedicated speakers or drivers hidden in the dash or bumper. This process lets automakers craft specific tones, volumes, and patterns to suit different markets and driving conditions.
The main components involved include:
- Digital sound generation that creates AVAS and ASD tones based on speed and vehicle status.
- Speakers or small drivers placed around the vehicle interior and/or exterior to project the sound outward without being invasive inside the cabin.
- Dynamic volume control that ramps the sound up or down as speed changes, often following regulatory requirements and local sound norms.
- Region-specific tuning that adapts the alert tone, tempo, and intensity to meet safety guidelines and cultural expectations.
Overall, the system is designed to deliver a reliable cue to nearby people while preserving the quiet, efficient operation that makes electric cars appealing to drivers.
What the sounds tend to sound like
Audible cues for EVs vary widely by brand and model, but several common patterns show up across the market. Some drivers report that these sounds are discreet, while others describe more pronounced engine-like or electronic tones.
- Beep or chirp patterns at very low speeds to indicate presence and approximate distance from obstacles.
- Engine-like or turbine-like tones that give a sense of propulsion without mimicking a combustion engine too closely.
- Softer “whoosh” or wind-like elements that blend with road noise as speed climbs, making the sound less intrusive in busy environments.
- Reversing beeps or special safety cues when the vehicle is in reverse or operating near pedestrians.
- Some models offer driver-selectable or region-specific sound profiles within safety limits.
These sounds are meant to be noticeable enough to protect pedestrians and cyclists, while still allowing the vehicle to remain as quiet as possible during regular operation.
Regulatory landscape
Globally, regulators require some form of audible alert for electric and hybrid vehicles at low speeds. The specifics—such as the minimum speed at which the alert must be active and the type of sound permitted—vary by region and have evolved as technology and urban noise concerns have shifted.
- United States: A federal rule requires an audible alert system for light vehicles with electric or hybrid propulsion at low speeds and during reversing, with the goal of improving pedestrian safety. The exact speed threshold and sound requirements can vary by model and deployment, and updates continue as technology and standards evolve.
- European Union: Regulation mandates AVAS for new electric and hybrid vehicles at low speeds (commonly cited around 20 km/h or roughly 12 mph, with requirements for reversing sounds as well). Sound design must comply with environmental noise considerations and regional testing standards.
- China: National standards require AVAS or equivalent audible cues for new energy vehicles at low speeds, aligning with safety and urban noise management objectives.
- Other markets: Japan, Canada, Australia, and several other regions have implemented or are implementing similar standards, with variations in exact speed thresholds, sound types, and enforcement timelines.
Because regulations are updated and interpreted differently by market, it’s wise to check a specific vehicle’s AVAS features and local requirements if you need exact numbers for a region or model.
Summary
Electric cars stay quiet because their propulsion is silent, but safety and awareness drive the addition of audible signals. Through AVAS and Active Sound Design, manufacturers generate purposeful tones at low speeds, while tire and wind noise take over as speed rises. The result is a carefully balanced acoustic footprint: noticeable enough to protect pedestrians, yet subtle enough to preserve the efficiency and serenity that make electric driving appealing. Regulatory standards continue to shape how those sounds are produced, tuned, and deployed across markets.
