Tuneful answer to electric vehicle noise
Sound generator for electric and hybrid vehicles will be introduced in 2012
AE in Technology.
- Published in Technology.
Delphi has developed a sound generator for electric and hybrid vehicles. The system will be introduced in the European market in 2012.
Legislation will mean that alternative powertrain vehicles that make less noise than combustion engine vehicles will have to make a noise to warn pedestrians of their presence. “Industry analysts predict hybrid and electric vehicle warning sounds, already covered by guidelines in Japan, will be required in North America and Europe in the near future,” said Beth Schwarting, director of the electronic controls product business unit at Delphi.
Delphi has developed two systems. The first is three times lighter than a conventional multi-box system and uses 90% less power. Its single-box configuration helps to reduce design, test and manufacturing cost, and its size and weight simplify packaging. The system, which is installed in the engine compartment, provides a frequency range of 500Hz to 10kHz and can reproduce melodies for individual vehicle manufacturers.
A second system delivers a higher quality sound using a cone speaker activated by a lightweight magnet and extends base range to 150Hz. The system can also be integrated into other areas of the vehicle, to give an audio warning that the battery needs recharging in an electric car.
