Here's a big problem with hybrids and electric vehicles: they don't make any noise. This can pose a safety concern for those around the car, who won't hear it pulling away from a light, backing out of a parking space, or cruising down a residential road. It's the driver's job to make sure they operate the vehicle safely, but the sound of a vehicle can act as a warning to pedestrians in certain situations.
"Quiet cars "are of even greater to blind or partially sighted people, who have no choice but to 'listen' for a vehicle before crossing a roadway or entering a parking garage, for instance.
Lightweight car builder Lotus seems to have an answer- in the form of their Safe and Sound Hybrid. Using the Toyota Prius, Lotus has created a hybrid with all of the environmental benefits but none of the potential quietness-associated risks to those around it. A waterproof loud-speaker mounted near the car's radiator projects a realistic engine sound ahead of the car when it's running solely in electric mode.
The realistic sound changes depending on speed and throttle, and it's tuned not to be heard once the car passes. The sound effects were captured and synthesized in order to directly replicate a normal engine sound, Lotus says. The driver can't hear any of the additional noise.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said "The increased acceptance of greener vehicles such as hybrid and electric vehicles is to be encouraged; they have an important role in improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Our advanced external sound synthesis technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the car's environmental benefits. We hope that legislators introduce minimum noise requirements for vehicles to encourage the adoption of technologies such as ours, which will ultimately increase pedestrian safety."
photo:Lotus
"Quiet cars "are of even greater to blind or partially sighted people, who have no choice but to 'listen' for a vehicle before crossing a roadway or entering a parking garage, for instance.
Lightweight car builder Lotus seems to have an answer- in the form of their Safe and Sound Hybrid. Using the Toyota Prius, Lotus has created a hybrid with all of the environmental benefits but none of the potential quietness-associated risks to those around it. A waterproof loud-speaker mounted near the car's radiator projects a realistic engine sound ahead of the car when it's running solely in electric mode.
 |
The realistic sound changes depending on speed and throttle, and it's tuned not to be heard once the car passes. The sound effects were captured and synthesized in order to directly replicate a normal engine sound, Lotus says. The driver can't hear any of the additional noise.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said "The increased acceptance of greener vehicles such as hybrid and electric vehicles is to be encouraged; they have an important role in improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Our advanced external sound synthesis technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the car's environmental benefits. We hope that legislators introduce minimum noise requirements for vehicles to encourage the adoption of technologies such as ours, which will ultimately increase pedestrian safety."
photo:Lotus