Ottawa, Ontario — New sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles have been announced by Canada’s transport minister, citing increased collision risks towards cyclists, pedestrians and Canadians with disabilities among others.
Omar Alghabra announced mandatory minimum noise levels from hybrid and electric vehicles, and equipping them with sound emitters that produce noise at low speeds.
Under these new requirements, all hybrid and electric vehicles will now be required to have sound emitters that would produce noise at low speeds. While automakers can determine the actual noise sound made, the volume and pitch must clearly indicate if a vehicle is speeding up or slowing down.
Most automakers have voluntarily added sound emitters to hybrid and electric vehicles prior to the announcement, which is currently in effect.
“Requiring sound emitters for these vehicles has been championed by safety and advocacy groups, especially those who advocate for Canadians with disabilities,” said Alghabra.
