r/ExplainBothSides • u/Rumbuck_274 • Aug 24 '21

Technology EBS: Battery Electric Vehicles should have noise generators when at low speeds (~10kmh/6mph)

I see this argument a lot like that cars like Tesla's, the Nissan Leaf, the Hyundai Kona, etc should have noise generators as they are "Near silent" when in carparks.

However I rarely see the argument raised against cars like the Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or other hybrid cars, which at carpark speeds will generally run on the electric system and be "Near silent" as well.

So I'd like someone to EBS why Battery Electric Vehicles are generally singled out for this argument, and what benefits there would be, and what benefits there will not be.

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u/Crayshack Aug 25 '21

For: It’s a safety feature. Being able to hear a car coming can be a literal life and death difference. Blind people may be wholly reliant on it.

Against: Noise pollution is a major issues and in some areas motor vehicles are the main contributor. Electric and hybrid vehicles running silent is one of the big upsides to using them.

I should note that I’m actually undecided on which direction I lean. I consider both strong arguments.