Car enthusiasts often equate engine sound with sportiness and power. The louder the sound, the more thrilling cruising becomes for them, even if they’re just navigating through the traffic. However, producing engine sound is not something that can be naturally achieved in electric cars. Since these vehicles run on battery-powered motors, they offer a quieter and smoother driving experience.
Given the passion of motorheads for roaring exhaust sounds, different automakers are working on ways to include simulated or fake engine noise in electric cars. Here, we’ll find out how this petrol and diesel-car-specific phenomenon is making its way into the world of EVs.
How Does Fake Engine Noise in Electric Cars Work?
Fake engine noise in electric cars is typically created using software and hardware. A vehicle’s internal and external speaker system produces synthetic or pre-recorded engine noise. The technology uses different types of car sensors to fetch the powertrain data. It then simulates or amplifies the exhaust noise when driving and delivers the desired sound.
The intensity and depth of the simulated engine sound may vary depending on the car’s make and model. Some vehicles make a uniform sound that is always played, while others create it depending on the car’s RPM and speed.
Moreover, various cars allow drivers to customise the simulated engine noise according to their preferences. They include the Tesla Model 3, Audi e-Tron, BMW iX and Ford Mustang Mach-E, among others.
Simulated Exhaust Sound and Related Laws in the UAE
The UAE authorities have laws and regulations in place for how noisy a car should be. According to the law, the car noise limit in the UAE is 95 decibels. Anything above that would result in penalties and fines.
There are radars installed on roads that automatically note the number plate of those driving noisy cars in the UAE. Moreover, if you get caught driving a noisy car, the fine will be AED 2000 with 12 black traffic points. Please note that your driving license in Dubai or any other Emirate can get suspended with 24 black points. Meanwhile, here are some other car noises that you should never ignore.
Artificial Engine Noise: How Did It All Begin?
The history of simulated engine noise in cars dates back to the early 2010s. In 2011, the Volkswagen Golf GTI was the first car to use a system called “Soundaktor” to simulate engine noise. Soundaktor is a German term, which means sound actuator.
The system is based on a small speaker, typically mounted on the firewall between the engine and the passenger compartment. It plays a pre-recorded sound of a turbocharged engine when the car is accelerating.
However, the VW’s Soundaktor wasn’t the first attempt to artificially enhance the engine sound. In the past, Ford installed a resonator pipe in the Mustang GT to amplify the sound of the car’s V8 engine in the cabin.
It allowed drivers to better hear the snarl of the V8 engine, which is a key part of the Mustang’s driving experience. Other world-famous automakers like BMW, Ferrari, Stellantis, etc. are now also following the trend. Advanced technology is now used to amplify the near-silent hum produced by the newer turbocharged engines and vehicles with electric motors.
Fake Engine Noise in Electric Cars and Pedestrians’ Safety
A fake engine sound in electric cars is now more than just satisfying high-performance car aficionados. In fact, it has other important practical applications. For instance, electric cars are nearly silent. This can pose potential safety risks to pedestrians who are unaware of a car passing by. In such a case, EVs need artificial exhaust or engine sound to alert people on the road.
Artificial Car Engine Sound and Its Symphonic Future
The trend of artificial engine sound is evolving with time, thanks to the innovative approach of performance-car makers around the world. Different brands are busy creating distinct sounds, in line with the legacy of their petrol and diesel-powered cars.
Jaguar, Volkswagen and BMW among other renowned car companies are teaming up with world-famous musicians for this purpose. However, most of these projects are still in the works. We might have to wait for another few years to witness the symphonic future of simulated engine sounds in EVs.
This was everything about the fake engine noise in electric cars. With the growing trend of EVs and autonomous cars, the car industry is rapidly evolving. It is heading towards a more intelligent and sustainable future.
You may come across simulated engine noise systems in various types of used cars for sale in the UAE. All you need is to pick your desired car to experience that artificially enhanced revving sound. Here is how you can rev a car properly to ensure there is no carbon build up.
For more updates on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of the car industry, stay connected with the dubizzle auto blog.