Volvo Trucks Equips Electric Trucks with Acoustic Signals

To enhance safety, Volvo Trucks has developed an acoustic warning system with special sounds for its electric truck models. The warning signal developed by Volvo increases safety by alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users that a truck is approaching. Otherwise, it would be nearly silent.

(Ismaning) As of July 1, 2021, all new electric vehicles in the EU must emit a certain sound level when traveling at speeds of less than 20 km/h. The required sound level depends on the speed of the vehicle and increases with higher speeds. At the maximum speed of 20 km/h, it should be at least 56 decibels. In the USA, there are similar regulations for vehicles traveling at 30 km/h or slower. If the vehicle is too quiet, it must be equipped with an external acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System).

Special Audio Effects

To comply with the new regulations while maintaining the benefits of the lower noise levels of electric vehicles, Volvo Trucks has developed a range of special audio effects for its electric truck models. “We wholeheartedly welcome the new regulation. As children, we learned to rely not only on what we see in traffic but also on what we hear. This pattern is so ingrained that we sometimes don’t even look around before crossing a street! With our new warning system, we want to ensure that our electric trucks are noticed by pedestrians and cyclists,” says Anna Wrige Berling, Director of Traffic and Product Safety at Volvo Trucks.

Developed by Acoustic Experts

The various sounds are the result of thorough research and testing conducted by the acoustic experts at the Volvo Group. “We are particularly proud to have developed high-quality acoustic signals that are loud enough to warn people in the vicinity but are still perceived as pleasant by drivers and other road users,” says Anna Wrige Berling. It is important to note that the vehicles will still be much quieter than their combustion engine counterparts. “The signals are designed not to penetrate through walls. Our vehicles will still be suitable for quiet nighttime delivery traffic, contribute to better working conditions for drivers, and make the environment quieter and cleaner,” adds Anna Wrige Berling.

Four Different Warning Tones

The acoustic warning system developed by Volvo for electric vehicles includes not just one, but four different tones that inform people in the vicinity of the vehicle about what is happening: the vehicle is moving forward, standing still, reversing, etc. The intensity of the acoustic signals varies depending on the truck’s speed. Additionally, their frequency changes when accelerating and decelerating.

More Electric Transport

In light of the recently announced sales launch of the three new electric models Volvo FH, Volvo FM, and Volvo FMX, Volvo Trucks now boasts an impressive range of six medium and heavy trucks with electric drive. Currently, this is the most extensive range of electric series trucks in the industry. “More and more electric trucks are being used in road traffic. By equipping our electric vehicles with an acoustic warning system, we combine our efforts towards zero emissions with our ambitious goals for accident prevention,” summarizes Anna Wrige Berling. Photo: © Volvo Trucks