Volvo Trucks adds noise to electric trucks

Volvo Trucks has developed an acoustic alert system with unique sounds for its electric truck models to warn pedestrians and bike riders of their presence.

At the same time, Volvo says, the sounds are designed to be pleasant and unobtrusive, both for the driver and others close by.

The sounds are designed to not penetrate through walls, to allow for quiet night-time deliveries and contribute to better working conditions, we’re told.

Starting on July 1, all new electric vehicles in the EU will be required to emit a certain sound level when travelling at speeds below 20km/h. The sound level required depends on the speed and gets higher as it increases.

At the maximum speed of 20km/h it should be at least 56 decibels. The US has similar legislation for vehicles when driving 30km/h or slower. If the vehicle is too quiet, an external acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) must be added.

“We truly welcome this new legislation. From when we were children, we have learnt to rely not only on what we see, but also what we hear in traffic. With our new alert system, we want to help ensure that pedestrians and cyclists notice when they are close to our electric trucks,” explains Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

“It is important to note that the trucks will still be much quieter than conventional trucks,” she added.

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“The sounds are designed to not penetrate through walls. Our electric trucks will still allow for quiet nighttime deliveries and contribute to better working conditions for the drivers and a quieter, cleaner environment.”

The Volvo developed acoustic alert system for electric vehicles has four different sounds, informing people close by about what the truck is doing: moving forward, idling, reversing, etc. The sounds will vary in intensity, based on truck speed and will shift in frequency during acceleration and deceleration.

With the recently announced start of sales of three new heavy duty electric truck models – the Volvo FH, FM and FMX – Volvo Trucks now has a line-up of six medium and heavy duty electric trucks. This is currently the most complete commercial electric truck range in the industry.

“Electric trucks will be increasingly more common in traffic, and by adding the acoustic alert sound system to our electric vehicles, we are proud to be able to combine our exciting journey towards zero emissions with our longstanding zero accidents ambition,” concluded Anna Wrige Berling.