A debate has reopened in Europe over how much noise electric vehicles should be allowed to make, with the European Commission pushing to restrict sounds beyond what is required for safety, while parts of the automotive industry and several member states argue that additional noise should remain permissible.
According to a report by German technology outlet Heise, industry groups are lobbying for greater flexibility to allow electric vehicles to emit sounds comparable to combustion-engine cars. The World Association of Automobile Manufacturers (OICA) is seeking room for what it describes as emotionally driven exterior sounds that go beyond the mandatory Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS), which already require electric cars to emit warning noises at low speeds to protect pedestrians.
See also: Scout Motors Develops Custom Soundscape for Upcoming Electric SUV and Pickup
Under the proposal backed by parts of the industry, electric vehicles could be equipped with so-called Exterior Sound Enhancement Systems (ESES), allowing them to generate additional external noise that is not linked to safety. Proponents argue that sound contributes to “emotion, dynamism, and identity,” and say some customers expect a powerful acoustic presence, particularly in premium or sports models.
Critics counter that such systems undermine one of the key benefits of electric mobility — reduced traffic noise — and are at odds with broader public health goals. As Heise noted, “Critics see this as a desperate attempt to preserve an archaic car feeling in a modern era where true modernity is actually defined by silence.”
See also: Ferrari Files Patents for Simulated Gearshift and Engine Sounds in Electric Vehicles
Environmental and health authorities have also raised concerns. The European Environment Agency has said traffic noise is Europe’s second-largest environmental health risk after air pollution, warning that “over 110 million people are regularly exposed to health-damaging levels,” which increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The World Health Organization estimates that traffic noise costs Europe between 1 million and 1.3 million healthy life years each year.
While no formal decision is expected before February, negotiations in November pointed toward a possible compromise. According to Heise, a “default-off” principle is emerging, under which vehicles may be equipped with sound enhancement systems, but such systems would be switched off by default when a journey begins.
See also: BMW’s M3 EV Prototype Ditches Synthetic Sounds for Authentic Engine Noise
Japan and Germany have emerged as the strongest opponents of an outright ban on additional vehicle noise, arguing that electric cars should not be subject to stricter sound rules than vehicles with combustion engines.