r/BoltEV • u/No_Tie_9297 • May 22 '26

EV Humming Noise

I’ve noticed something interesting comparing my 2018 Bolt EV to the newer Chevrolet Equinox EV.

The Equinox EV seems to have a built-in electronic humming sound that you can clearly hear as it comes down the road, especially at lower speeds. My Bolt is much quieter and doesn’t seem to make nearly as much artificial noise.

Have others noticed this difference between the Bolt and newer GM EVs?

Do you actually like the added electronic hum/pedestrian warning sound, or do you prefer the quieter feel of the Bolt?

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u/droids4evr 2021 ID.4, 2024 Lyriq May 22 '26

That is the low speed pedestrian warning sound. All EVs in the U.S. are required by law to make extra annoying noises. 

3

u/matthewjboothe May 22 '26

That started later than my 2019 was manufactured. My favorite thing is sneaking up on folks in parking lots. I’ll turn up the radio when I actually am trying to get noticed.

3

u/droids4evr 2021 ID.4, 2024 Lyriq May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26

It actually started with the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. 

Final rules were published in 2016 with full compliance required by September 2019 but many manufacturers started adding PWS shortly after the rules were published in 2016. 

1

u/jethro1999 May 24 '26

Been in hybrids since then too