Login
My Garage
Electric hub hero image

Do electric cars make noise?

By Stephen Turvil | March 2, 2023

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Revealed: why electric cars have to make noise in the UK. How Acoustic Sound Systems make it easier for pedestrians to hear quiet, zero emission, electric cars.

Do electric cars make noise?

Fully electric cars can be noisy but less so than petrols and diesels, largely because they don’t require the mechanical valves, fans or gears of traditional combustion engines.

Electric cars must make noise at low speed, by law

Because electric cars are that much quieter - and therefore harder to hear - since July 1st 2019, any ‘new type’ electric car must be built with an Acoustic Sound System to minimise risk of collisions. This makes cars more noisy at low speed. When moving forward or back at up to 12mph, electric vehicles must emit a sound via a speaker that pedestrians can hear. 

Electric car noise at higher speed

An Acoustic Sound System is not required at higher speed typically because there are fewer pedestrians, if any, on faster A-roads and motorways whilst there’s also the added tyre noise that makes it easier to hear approaching cars.

Related Articles

Big changes to driving tests: What you need to know
Driving test cancellation rules are changing from April 8, 2025. Learners will need to give 10 working days' notice to reschedule without...
UK’s most common MoT advisories revealed
Discover the most common MoT advisories in the UK and which issues are the most dangerous. Find out what to fix before your next test!
The best time to renew your car insurance and save big
Want to save money on car insurance? Learn how to lock in the lowest price and avoid overpaying...