- The minimum sound level at a speed of 20km/h is 56dB. The maximum sound level is 75dB (comparable to a conventional car)
- Applies to all private and commercial vehicles with four or more wheels
- Activated for speeds of up to 20km/h going forward with a sound also emitted whilst reversing
The legislation also dictates the AVAS sound ‘should be a continuous one providing the vehicle driving behaviour to other road users and pedestrians.' For example, generating changes in sound level and pitch to signify acceleration.
Since 2009, acoustics expert HARMAN has been developing its own AVAS system called external Electronic Sound Synthesis (eESS) under the HALOsonic active noise management solutions portfolio.
Drawing on over 60 years’ of audio expertise, HARMAN’s eESS creates a specific sound that is projected from speakers positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle.
Speed and throttle position sensors determine the volume and characteristics of the eESS signal warning pedestrians of an approaching vehicle.
“Given the ever-increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on our roads, the risk to pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable groups has risen exponentially over the years,” says Rajus Augustine, Senior Director Product Strategy & Planning, Car Audio at HARMAN.
“AVAS technologies such as HALOsonic eESS offer an affordable and effective way of increasing pedestrian awareness of an approaching EV in noisy urban environments.”
