Noisy EV helps tackle pedestrian safety issues
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Researchers at Warwick University are using a green van called ELVIN as part of a research project aimed at tackling the safety issues linked to the lack of sound from electric vehicles (EVs).
ELVIN − which stands for Electric Vehicle with Interactive Noise − will be able to emit many different sounds aimed at alerting pedestrians and other road users that it is nearby.
Prof Paul Jennings from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at Warwick University said: ’Electric Vehicles are very quiet, which makes them a potential low-speed safety risk to pedestrians. Sound not only alerts people to the presence and direction of a vehicle, it also indicates the type of vehicle − for instance a bus − and whether it is stopping or accelerating.’
WMG researchers are carrying out their investigations with vehicle sound engineers at Novisim in Hertfordshire and the Danish company EC Tunes.
ELVIN has already been fitted with Novisim’s sound system and trials are now being run using the system to gain direct experience of its use and the reactions of drivers, and − most importantly − other road users and people who experience the sounds it emits.
People who hear the sounds will be asked to give their opinions on a range of issues, including whether they are suitable as a warning or whether they are simply annoying.
Britain is fast becoming a world centre for electric car development, as a trip to the Low Carbon Vehicle Event at Millbrook Proving Ground showed. Click here to read more.
Readers' comments (7)
Ray Edwards | 27 Sep 2010 3:59 pm
So will they be fitted to push bikes?
Pedestrians especially teenagers need to first learn that the world does not exist to look after them!
We all need to look when stepping into a road.
What next a man with a red flag and a bell walking in front of road vehicles.
Oh no that’s been done……………..
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P.J. Rafter | 27 Sep 2010 5:01 pm
If people find the noises emitted by these vehicles annoying perhaps their drivers could be coaxed into playing loud, thumping rock music as they drive along. . .
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Anonymous | 27 Sep 2010 6:09 pm
Try the same for modern quiet buses with engines at the back, they steal up on bicycles. Most of them give plenty of room, but it would be good to know they are there ..
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S. Martin | 28 Sep 2010 1:59 am
The greatest problem is that common sense is not that common, and everyone wants to blame someone else for their own misfortunes.
Surely it is nothing more than people accepting responsibility for their actions which is the issue. Why is it so difficult for people to look before they cross the road? or is it more a case of where theres blame, theres a claim.
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Anonymous | 28 Sep 2010 7:58 am
Firstly let me say since I first saw the Tesla I've been very interested in the EV development. I'm looking forward to the new MTV show 'Pimp my EV'. Imagine the sound system those guys could put in...
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Anonymous | 29 Sep 2010 2:12 pm
This is really a case of trying to sell something unnecessary by pretending that it improves safety - and who can oppose improved safety?
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Paul Fishwick | 1 Oct 2010 1:14 pm
While I understand the comments about people needing to look after their own safety, there must be a certain percentage of the population who aren't able to spot or understand the dangers, mainly blind/partially sighted people or young kids who may be too young to recognise the dangers
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