For many years, vehicle noise pollution has been a matter of concern globally, affecting both human health and the environment. With the introduction of electric vehicles into the market, questions arise on whether they have the potential to address this issue. As the world continues to focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, understanding the impact of electric vehicles on vehicle noise pollution becomes increasingly necessary.
Traditional vehicles and noise pollution
Conventional vehicles typically produce noise pollution in different ways. First, the sound of the engine and exhaust system contributes to noise pollution, especially when operating at high speeds. Additionally, the braking system can produce noise when used frequently, while tire friction and the rattling of car components (such as shock absorbers) also play a role.
Electric vehicles and noise pollution reduction
Electric vehicles, unlike traditional vehicles, run on electric motors that produce much less noise. This makes them quieter compared to traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. As a result, noise pollution due to vehicles is significantly reduced, reducing noise exposure, especially in urban areas. Furthermore, electric vehicles do not have tailpipes, which means they do not produce the exhaust noise that contributes to overall vehicle noise pollution.
Range extender electric vehicles and noise pollution
Range extender electric vehicles, also known as plug-in hybrids, have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The gasoline engine is primarily used to recharge the electric battery, but it can also provide additional power to the electric motor. The gasoline engine produces noise pollution when in use, but it doesn’t operate continuously as it would in a traditional gasoline car. As a result, the noise pollution produced by range extender vehicles is lower compared to traditional vehicles.
Road noise generated by electric vehicles
Electric vehicles produce less noise, but they cannot eliminate all noise pollution. Tire friction and wind resistance, for example, still produce noise. While tire noise in electric vehicles is lower than that of traditional vehicles, it cannot be eliminated entirely. In cities, where electric vehicles run at low speeds, wind noise is also less of an issue.
Challenges to reducing vehicle noise pollution with electric vehicles
One of the challenges of reducing vehicle noise pollution with electric vehicles is pedestrian safety. Pedestrians, especially the visually impaired, rely on hearing to detect approaching vehicles, and the quietness of electric vehicles makes it challenging for them to do so. Therefore, various regulatory bodies have proposed fitting electric vehicles with artificial noise generators to produce noise, particularly at low speeds, to improve pedestrian safety.
Additionally, the use of electric vehicles is not widespread, and the transition to electric vehicles will take time. For instance, the sale of electric vehicles in 2019 accounted for only 3 percent of global car sales. Therefore, it is crucial to encourage consumers and businesses to switch to electric vehicles to make a notable impact on vehicle noise pollution and associated air pollution.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles have considerable potential for reducing vehicle noise pollution. Unlike traditional vehicles, they do not produce engine noise and exhaust system noise, which contribute significantly to noise pollution. However, they generate noise from tire friction, wind resistance, and other factors. Electric vehicles present a challenge in terms of pedestrian safety, and regulatory authorities have proposed fitting them with artificial noise generators. Nonetheless, to make a significant impact on vehicle noise pollution, more people and businesses need to adopt electric vehicles.