All EVs selling in Europe have to be equipped with noise generator

For the safety of pedestrians


Electric cars have one advantage their drivers like a lot - they generate almost no noise while driving. Although, this may be inconvenient and even dangerous for people walking around the car. Pedestrians simply don’t hear the coming vehicle, that may lead to a dramatic outcome.

Starting from July 1 all automakers selling electric vehicles in European Union are obliged to equipe those cars with a noise making device. The sound should be generated on speed below 19 km/h (12 mph) and while going backwards. Interesting, that the regulation states the noise produced to sound like a traditional internal-combustion engine.

According to the new law, by 2021 all electric vehicles should be equipped with such generators, not only the new models freshly introduced on the market.