On Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:45:23 -0500, david.williams@bayman.org (David
Williams) wrote:
>-> > This brings up a question of safety. One of the arguments against
>-> > hybrid and electric vehicles that has surfaced is that they are
>-> > dangerous because they don't make enough noise. Some have even
>-> > suggested that electric cars need to be fitted with some kind of
>-> > sound system to warn others that it's around.
>
>-> That sounds entirely sensible.
>
>-> A bit of computer DSP would allow you to choose all manner of engine sounds
>-> wanted your EV to replicate. Inline 6 or V8 anyone ?
>
>-> Graham
>
>It sounds entirely stupid.
>
>I've listened to different types of vehicles, including hybrids. The
>hybrids are never as noisy as other vehicles *can* be, but they are no
>quieter, even in electric-only mode, than other vehicles often are.
In a noisy environment like a busy city I find it makes little
difference what noise a vehicle makes as you rely on visual cues much
more than audible ones. But, having come close to being run over by a
Prius on a quiet dealer forecourt just a few months ago when one
appeared through a gap in a row of other cars on display I'm inclined
to heavily side with the "make more noise" crowd.
On the road, mixing it with other traffic, I find that Prius drivers
often seem to have their eyes glued on the mpg gauge rather than
making effective observation, or if travelling on motorways they do so
at speeds just less than HGV's, they have become the high tech
caravan/tractor of the 21st century.
If hybrids and / or electric vehicles become more common and users
continue to carry on like that in an urban environment, say on the
school run, combined with the inherent quietness I can see them
becoming a major hazard to pedestrians.
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>-> > hybrid and electric vehicles that has surfaced is that they are
>-> > dangerous because they don't make enough noise. Some have even
>-> > suggested that electric cars need to be fitted with some kind of
>-> > sound system to warn others that it's around.
>
>-> That sounds entirely sensible.
>
>-> A bit of computer DSP would allow you to choose all manner of engine sounds
>-> wanted your EV to replicate. Inline 6 or V8 anyone ?
>
>-> Graham
>
>It sounds entirely stupid.
>
>I've listened to different types of vehicles, including hybrids. The
>hybrids are never as noisy as other vehicles *can* be, but they are no
>quieter, even in electric-only mode, than other vehicles often are.