Hybrids Makings Some Noise

Hybrids are some of the quietest cars around. Their electric motors barely form a peep, and when a hybrid roles to a stop, the engine shuts off. Surprisingly, that has become a problem.

Earlier that year an 8-year old boy was riding his bike in the street when he was hit by a Prius. The boy went through an intersection without looking considering he didn’t manufacture out any cars. The Prius in question was operating in its EV mode, and ran right into the boy. He was fine. But he’s not the only one concerned about being struck by a stealthy hybrid.

Blind organizations around the country are pushing for minimum noise standards, and a bill

was introduced into the House of Representatives last year that would require hybrids to emit a sound while they are operating.

One scientist is aly on the case. Patrick Nyeste at North Carolina State University has tested 24 sounds for the hybrid. So far, the hum and white noise are the most popular. Lotus engineering is additionally looking at making an adjustable car sound for hybrids. When the vehicle was operating the hum of a gas engine would be emitted, but that noise could be turned down in quieter settings.

[via Environment Report]

Hybrids Makings Some Noise originally arised on Green Daily on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST

[Source] Sea Stachura

conservation renewable energy price of oil epa tankless water heater photovoltaic green solar cell water heaters pollution