Get ready for a new sound on our roads! Soon, all new electric cars will need to make a special noise. This rule helps warn people walking or riding bikes. It makes our streets safer for everyone.
Electric cars are super quiet. This is great for a calm ride. But it can be a problem for people outside the car. They might not hear a car coming. This new rule changes that for all new electric cars.
Why New Electric Cars Need a Sound at Low Speeds
Imagine a car that makes almost no sound. That’s an electric car, especially when it goes slow. For people who can’t see well, sound is a big help. They listen for cars to know if it’s safe to cross the road. Kids playing might also not hear a quiet car. Even adults looking at their phones could miss a car sneaking up.
This quietness creates a risk. It’s harder for pedestrians to know a car is near. This new rule aims to fix that. It’s about keeping everyone safe on the road. It helps people walking, running, or cycling. The new sound will give them a heads-up.
Making Roads Safer for Pedestrians
The main reason for this change is safety. Electric vehicles are very different from older cars. Old cars have loud engines. You can often hear them before you see them. But new electric cars are almost silent at slow speeds. This is good for the environment and peaceful driving. However, it can be dangerous for people outside the car.
Think about someone with a guide dog. They listen closely for traffic. A silent car could be a big surprise. This new sound helps them feel safer. It gives them a warning that a car is nearby. This small change makes a big difference for many people. It helps prevent accidents by giving a clear sound cue. The goal is to avoid crashes with pedestrians who might not be paying full attention or can’t see the car.
What Kind of Warning Sound Will Electric Cars Make?
Don’t worry, it won’t be a loud honking sound! The noise will be gentle and distinct. It’s called an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, or AVAS for short. It’s not like a normal car engine sound. Instead, it’s a special kind of noise. This sound will start when the electric car moves slowly. It usually turns on when the car is going slower than 20 kilometres per hour (about 12 miles per hour). Once the car speeds up, the tires and wind noise make enough sound. So, the special noise will turn off.
The sound must be loud enough to hear. But it shouldn’t be too noisy or annoying. Car makers are designing these sounds carefully. They want them to be helpful and not a nuisance. It’s like a soft hum or whir. This helps people know an electric vehicle is coming. You can learn more about how electric cars work and why they are so quiet on Wikipedia’s electric car page.
When Will This New Rule Start for Electric Cars?
This new rule is coming soon. It will affect all brand-new electric cars and many hybrid cars. Hybrid cars use both petrol and electricity. When they run on electricity at low speeds, they are also very quiet. So, these cars will also need to make a sound. The Australian government is bringing in these changes. They want to make sure everyone is safe on the roads. Other countries already have similar rules. For example, countries in Europe and the United States already require electric vehicles to make sounds. Australia is following suit to improve road safety.
You won’t have to worry about your old car. This rule is only for cars made after the new law starts. So, if you buy a brand-new electric car soon, it will have this sound feature. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is responsible for these new regulations. You can often find updates on government road safety websites.
Benefits of Warning Sounds for Quiet Electric Vehicles
The biggest benefit is better pedestrian safety. Many people will feel much safer walking around. This is especially true in busy areas like shopping centres or school zones. The sound gives an important signal. It helps people judge if it’s safe to move. It’s a small change that can prevent big problems. It also helps drivers feel more confident. They will know their quiet car is more easily noticed by others.
- Increased awareness: People will hear the car coming, even if they aren’t looking.
- Help for blind and low-vision people: Sound is a crucial cue for navigating streets safely.
- Safer for children: Kids might be less aware of their surroundings, and the sound helps.
- Improved cyclist safety: Bikes can often be in blind spots, and sound helps warn riders.
This rule is a smart step forward. It balances the quiet benefits of electric vehicles with the need for safety. It means we can enjoy cleaner, quieter cars. And we can still keep everyone on foot or bike safe. It is a win-win for our communities and our roads. This change will make our future roads much safer for everyone to share. A similar initiative was discussed for years in other regions, as reported by major news outlets like The New York Times.
