Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their quiet operation compared to vehicles with gas engines, but Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, is aiming to change that with its upcoming Charger Daytona EV. The automaker is set to simulate the sound of a gas vehicle, specifically a HEMI V8 engine, in the new EV, according to a patent spotted by Mopar Insiders from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The patented systems, including “Active Vibration Enhancement” (AVE) and “Active Sound Enhancement” (ASE), will work together to create the effect of a gas engine. AVE will make the car vibrate as if it had a V8 engine, while ASE will generate the audio to simulate a combustion engine.
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Stellantis claims that the simulated engine noise will not only make the Charger EV safer for pedestrians, who may not hear the nearly silent EV approaching, but also help the driver know when the vehicle is turned on and ready to drive, providing both audible and tactile feedback.
The ASE and AVE systems will utilize sensors and haptic points on the EV’s body, including the steering wheel and seats, to adjust the noise level based on factors such as accelerator pedal position, motor speed, and torque.
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These systems complement Stellantis’ Exhaust Sound Enhancement system, known as the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which uses external speakers to produce engine-like sounds through a fake exhaust pipe.
The Charger Daytona EV is part of Stellantis’ larger strategy to transition to electric vehicles, following the announcement that it would discontinue gas-powered versions of the Charger and Challenger to focus on EV development. The company recently unveiled its new STLA Large EV platform, which will underpin upcoming EVs from the Dodge and Jeep brands.
