The electrification of the powertrain brings active sound design to the next level. Although artificial sound served mainly the sound quality and emotional considerations in ICE vehicles, sound design becomes functional and an integral aspect of the driving experience in the electrified vehicles. In hybrid vehicles, this technology can acoustically cancel out disturbing interior acoustic events (for example, the moment between the engine switches). For electrical vehicles this solution offers options to create consistent acoustic feedback for the driver, reflecting the engine orders and driving conditions (acceleration, braking, etc.), which is per default absent in electrified engines.
Active sound design also represents a solution for the recent legal requirement of AVAS in electrified vehicles to achieve minimal noise levels. The same system can emit exterior sounds to alert other road users. This sound signature should be brand-bounded and easily identifiable.
The expectations for new vehicle sound, either technical or emotional, carry new challenges for the acoustic development teams. We offer a comprehensive toolset to address them in an integrated manner.
