News from the EU. Engine sound is mandatory - new rules have already come into force...

• CatCar
• News from the EU. Engine sound is mandatory - new rules have already come into force...

From July 1, all electric and hybrid cars that are homologated in the European Union must be equipped with sound emitters that warn pedestrians and cyclists of an approaching vehicle in urban areas. In two years, this obligation will extend to all cars of this type registered for the first time in the EU.

The AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) system must be installed on any hybrid car during the homologation process in any country in the European Union, and the sound it emits must be continuous and in terms of characteristics reminiscent of, for example, the sound of internal combustion cars. AVAS must be active up to 20 km / h and when reversing.

Interestingly, car manufacturers have some freedom, because the sounds emitted by the system will be able to reflect the character of the brand, while at the same time providing scope for creativity for composers. However, the noise level will be regulated. At a speed of 20 km / h, the volume must be at least 56 decibels, and at other speeds - no more than 75 decibels. In two years, the obligation to equip the AVAS system will apply to all electric cars and hybrids registered for the first time in the European Union.

It is worth noting that the main purpose of the system is to protect pedestrians, cyclists, as well as blind and visually impaired people, because electric cars or hybrid electric cars are very quiet and difficult to hear. Already today, many models of this type already have sound emitters, such as the Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf, but they can be turned off. Under the new law, this will not be possible. On the other hand, modern cars with a traditional drive are not much louder at low speeds than electrics.