Hybrids are some of the quietest cars around. Their electric motors barely make a peep, and when a hybrid roles to a stop, the engine shuts off. Surprisingly, this has become a problem. Earlier this year an 8-year old boy was riding his bike in the street when he was hit by a Prius. The boy went through an intersection without looking because he didn't hear any cars. The Prius in question was operating in its EV mode, and ran right into the boy. He was fine. But he's not the only one concerned about being struck by a stealthy hybrid.
Blind organizations around the country are pushing for minimum noise standards, and a bill was introduced into the House of Representatives last year that would require hybrids to emit a sound while they are operating.
One scientist is already on the case. Patrick Nyeste at North Carolina State University has tested 24 sounds for the hybrid. So far, the hum and white noise are the most popular. Lotus engineering is also looking at making an adjustable car sound for hybrids. When the vehicle was operating the hum of a gas engine would be emitted, but that noise could be turned down in quieter settings.
[via Environment Report]
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