warwickaudiotech.com

Warwick Audio Technologies has been investigating how its flat, flexible speakers could be used to solve an intriguing problem for hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers.

These vehicles offer big advantages in terms of lower fuel consumption and reduced pollution and many big automotive manufacturers have launched hybrid or all electric cars.

Despite the advantages, however, there are concerns that these quiet vehicles could pose a safety threat both to pedestrians and drivers, who rely on their ears as well as their eyes to alert them to a vehicle’s presence.

A recent conference held at the University of Warwick’s International Digital Laboratory, discussed this problem and highlighted recent calls for legislation that would require cars to emit sound. Called Technologies for Low Carbon Transportation in New Sound Environments, the event was organised by the Engineering Integrity Society and featured presentations by Jaguar Landrover, Lotus Engineering, and Protean Electric, among others.

Boris Samalionis, who attended the event on behalf of Warwick Audio Technologies, says: “There is clearly a need for vehicles to make a sound when their design is inherently quiet and although this is not a legal requirement yet, there is building pressure on manufacturers to find solutions to this issue. However, vehicle manufacturers need to find ways of adding sound without losing any of the intrinsic benefits of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as low weight and power consumption. 

“We think Warwick Audio Technologies could be in a good position to meet these needs, because our speakers are lightweight and consume little power. They are also cheap to produce which will make them additionally attractive as it was clear that cost was a big concern to manufacturers.”