US plan to make electric cars noisy

The US Department for Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed adding noise to electric vehicles to limit the number of accidents on the roads.

Adding a minimum sound standard to hybrid and electric vehicles would prevent as many as 2,800 injuries to pedestrians and cyclists every year, the NHTSA has said.

In addition to protecting cyclists and pedestrians, adding noise to vehicles should also help out motorists.

Indeed, if a car is pulling out of a drive, often the driver is guided by the noise of other vehicles to ensure that he or she doesn't crash into an oncoming vehicle.

The noise will only be added below 18mph, as above that speed, there is enough noise generated by wind resistance and the passage of the tyres over the road surface.

Car makers will be offered a choice of sounds, and it won't be the same noise as normal cars.

However, the noise must be distinctive so that road users are aware that it is a vehicle approaching.

"Safety is our highest priority, and this proposal will help keep everyone using our nation’s streets and roadways safe, whether they are motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, and especially the blind and visually impaired," US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood said.

In addition to limiting the amount of noise pollution in areas, electric vehicles also have the opportunity to provide a much cleaner future.

Electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions when in electric mode, so widespread use could improve air quality in congested areas.

According to a statement from the Houses of Parliament, given the UK's current electricity mix, the carbon emissions due to driving an EV are comparable with the most efficient diesel cars, and are around 30 per cent less than the average for new fossil fuel cars.