This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the IONIQ 5 all-electric model.
SEOUL, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) — When starting an electric vehicle (EV) or driving it at a low speed, an audible engine sound is not generated, unlike for a typical internal combustion engine.
This is regarded as one of the strengths of EVs, but poses a new challenge threatening the safety of pedestrians since they cannot recognize the motion of the vehicle.
Accordingly, it’s becoming mandatory worldwide to install EV sound generators that make a sound to alert pedestrians to the presence of the vehicle.
South Korea made it mandatory to install a sound generator for low-noise vehicles starting from July 2020.
According to a report released on Monday by the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, the EV sound generator market is expected to grow in tandem with the EV market thanks to legislation mandating the use of sound-generating devices.
A number of global carmakers have already developed and installed virtual engine sound generators. Related technologies are actively being studied through industry-academy-research cooperation.
Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, developed and installed an external sound generator (AVAS) and an internal virtual engine sound generator (ASD) for Hyundai Motor’s brand-new models including the Genesis G70, G80 and GV80.
In addition to the function of alerting pedestrians, the EV sound generator is expected to evolve further towards generating unique sounds or having driving assistance functions.
German carmaker BMW AG collaborated with the film score composer Hans Zimmer last year to create the unique EV engine sound for its i4 all-new electric sedan.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
