Thoughts on low speed EV sound

[Jonas Sickler]

I can't seem to find any videos or recordings of the Macan low-speed EV safety sound. I'm not talking about the optional electric sport sound. I mean the sound all EVs make when in drive or reverse and traveling at speeds from 0-20MPH.

My ID.4 isn't terrible, but I don't love it. I know they're for pedestrian safety, but I wish we could turn them off.

Can someone post a video of what that sounds like outside the car? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[chrisk]

My Macan does not have the e-sound option but still makes the low speed noise which I find very annoying. I don't understand why the car has to produce this fake noise in the interior. Exterior only for safety would be ok.
I come from an EV6 GT that was completely silent at low speeds with the windows closed and I really miss that silence.

 

[Jonas Sickler]

That's a great point. I would much prefer if it was ONLY an exterior sound since it's for pedestrian safety. It shouldn't be piped into the cabin. I've never heard one I like.

 

[Wivenhoe]

I don’t know if it’s a UK car thing, but I can’t hear the pedestrian warning sound.

 

[W1NGE]

There is no interior sound and the mandatory pedestrian safety sound is similar to that of the Taycan.

For those in NA are you sure you don't have the otherwise optional (and awful) sport sound as standard?

 

[krissrock]

Yea winge is right. There is no interior safety sound. You can hear it though, but it's only exterior. It's a grumble, or like a low buzz/hum. Not a beep or high pitch sound. It's not that audible to anyone outside the immediate area

 

[dgkhn]

Yea winge is right. There is no interior safety sound. You can hear it though, but it's only exterior. It's a grumble, or like a low buzz/hum. Not a beep or high pitch sound. It's not that audible to anyone outside the immediate area

And just to be clear (USA) this is NOT the sport sound. It may be intended to be heard outside the car, but as you say, you can certainly hear it inside. I don't like it, but I've gotten used to it. I wonder about the comments that people make suggesting that this is "required." My wife's 2024 Volvo PHEV, when in electric ("Pure") mode and in Drive is dead silent at low speeds (it softly beeps in Reverse).

 

[PrudentOcean]

I wonder about the comments that people make suggesting that this is "required."

It is required in the USA.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...requirements-for-hybrid-and-electric-vehicles

 

[dgkhn]

It is required in the USA.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...requirements-for-hybrid-and-electric-vehicles

So it is. And seeing that sent me researching why the Volvo is so quiet. Apparently the consensus is that the Volvo PHEV's have extremely quiet pedestrian alert sound, white-noise-like in Drive. It's so quiet that I don't normally hear it when driving. FWIW. In contrast, I find the Porsche sound intrusive. A very minor complaint on my part, admittedly.

 

[PrudentOcean]

The minimum volume is regulated and speed-dependent. Maybe Porsche uses a higher volume than is required?

I think some of it also comes down to the sound that the manufacturers select -- some will be perceived to be more annoying than others. And personally I will take Porsche's weird warble over an intermittent beep that sounds like a truck is backing up.

 

[shawn]

There is no interior sound and the mandatory pedestrian safety sound is similar to that of the Taycan.

For those in NA are you sure you don't have the otherwise optional (and awful) sport sound as standard?

Not standard in NA. $500. I did not get it. I just put my lips together and hum. It’s better and cheaper

 

[Riddler82]

Don’t like the low speed safety sound at all, really wish it was silent (or I could elect my sports sound when I wanted). Understand the requirements and logic, definitely better than many other vehicles low speed safety sound …but still find it modestly annoying inside the cabin.

 

[krissrock]

il's barely audible...only audible when below 20mph?
i don't see what the problem is...it's quietest ped warning sound i've heard yet.

 

[Fun TC Driving]

After giving my sound option a chance, just today decided to unclick it, e.g., ”no thanks”

 

[Jonas Sickler]

In North America, all Porche Macans come with the pedestrian alert sound as standard:

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)
The acoustic vehicle warning system is always active. An emotive vehicle sound that was developed by Porsche engineers to increase road safety. This is separate functionality from the optional Porsche Electric Sport Sound.

Porsche Electric Sport Sound is a $500 option — even on the Turbo model. But it can be turned off in the vehicle settings (fortunately). Sometimes it might be fun to have when you want to flex a bit. But most of the time I'd want it off to enjoy the quiet. Especially if my car is specked with the Bose or Burmester speakers.

Sponsored