Artificial engine sounds emitted by electric vehicles could soon receive formal regulatory approval, as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) considers new rules governing exterior sound enhancement systems.
Electric vehicles have been required since 2019 to produce artificial warning sounds at low speeds through Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS), which operate below 20 km/h to alert pedestrians and cyclists. At higher speeds, tyre and road noise are considered sufficient for safety purposes.
Beyond these mandatory alerts, some manufacturers have introduced additional sound profiles to give electric vehicles a more emotional or performance-oriented character. These sounds have traditionally been confined to the cabin, but carmakers are increasingly projecting them externally using dedicated loudspeakers.
Until now, such exterior sound enhancements have existed in a regulatory grey area. According to reports cited by the German newspaper TAZ, the UNECE Working Party on Noise is discussing amendments that would formally permit Exterior Sound Enhancement Systems (ESES) beyond safety requirements. A decision is expected in the near term.
Critics have raised concerns about potential noise pollution. “If a vehicle is equipped with an External Sound Emission System (ESES), the driver must activate the sounds manually via a switch,” TAZ reported, describing a compromise intended to prevent unnecessary noise during normal driving.
The move reflects broader debates over balancing safety, urban noise levels and consumer expectations as electric vehicles become more widespread. While AVAS sounds are designed primarily for awareness, optional enhancement systems aim to replicate traditional engine acoustics or create entirely new auditory identities for electric mobility.
If adopted, the new rules would provide manufacturers with clearer guidelines for integrating external sound features into future electric models across UNECE member markets, which include much of Europe and other regions.
