Electric vehicles (EVs) have many benefits—no tailpipe emissions, instant torque, and a smoother, quieter ride. But that silence may come with unintended risks, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. As EV adoption grows in Australia, so too does concern around “the quiet car problem”—the fact that EVs can be nearly silent at low speeds. Could this pose a danger on our roads, and how are regulators and automakers responding?
Let’s take a look at the facts, risks, and solutions.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Quiet Car Problem?
- Why Silence Can Be Dangerous
- Who’s Most at Risk?
- How Australia’s Road Rules Are Responding
- What Are AVAS Systems?
- Are All EVs Equally Quiet?
- Public Awareness vs. Design Changes
- Global Perspectives: What Other Countries Are Doing
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. What Is the Quiet Car Problem?
Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which produce engine noise even at low speeds, EVs are extremely quiet—especially below 30 km/h. This makes them harder to hear when approaching intersections, driveways, or pedestrian crossings.
The issue is especially relevant in carparks, school zones, suburban streets, and shared pedestrian spaces where people often rely on auditory cues rather than sight alone.
2. Why Silence Can Be Dangerous
While silence in a cabin feels luxurious, it can be problematic externally. Without aural warning of an approaching vehicle, pedestrians—particularly those not paying full attention—may step into the path of an EV without realising.
Multiple studies have found that quiet vehicles are:
- Up to 37% more likely to be involved in low-speed pedestrian incidents
- Particularly concerning for vulnerable users like the visually impaired or elderly
- A growing concern in urban environments with high foot traffic
3. Who’s Most at Risk?
Certain groups are especially vulnerable to quiet vehicles:
- People who are blind or have low vision
- Children, who are more impulsive near roads
- Elderly pedestrians with slower reaction times
- Cyclists who share roads and paths with EVs
With more than 450,000 Australians living with vision impairment, it’s a safety issue that can’t be ignored.
4. How Australia’s Road Rules Are Responding
Australia doesn’t yet mandate acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) across all EVs, but change is coming. In 2021, the UN introduced Regulation No. 138 requiring all new electric and hybrid vehicles to emit an artificial sound when travelling below 20–30 km/h.
Australia has signalled its intention to align with global standards, but regulations are still being finalised.
Until formal mandates arrive, some manufacturers voluntarily include AVAS-like features in Australian-spec EVs.
5. What Are AVAS Systems?
AVAS stands for Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System. It’s a speaker-based system that emits sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence when moving at low speeds or reversing.
AVAS systems:
- Typically activate automatically below 20 km/h
- Mimic a low humming or futuristic “whirr”
- Are designed to be audible but not annoying
They are already required in markets like the EU, US, and Japan. Expect similar regulations to roll out in Australia by 2026.
6. Are All EVs Equally Quiet?
While all EVs are quieter than ICE cars, the degree of silence varies depending on:
- Vehicle design and insulation
- Type of electric motor
- Tyre and road noise
- Presence (or absence) of an AVAS system
Some high-end EVs like the Tesla Model S are so quiet that they’ve become textbook examples of the quiet car problem. Meanwhile, some models like the Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Kona Electric already feature AVAS tech in Australia.
7. Public Awareness vs. Design Changes
While regulation will help, driver and pedestrian behaviour also matter. Helpful changes include:
- Driver education on low-speed risks in EVs
- Pedestrian campaigns about listening for different EV sounds
- Urban planning that considers silent vehicle flow
Smart crosswalks, better lighting, and tactile paving can also help mitigate risk.
8. Global Perspectives: What Other Countries Are Doing
- United States: Since 2020, AVAS has been mandatory on all new hybrid and EV models.
- European Union: Regulation 138 applies to all new electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Japan: Adopted AVAS requirements earlier than most, largely due to advocacy from blind associations.
- New Zealand: Monitoring international developments and may follow suit.
Australia has historically followed UNECE standards, so similar rules are expected to apply here soon.
9. FAQs
Q: Can I turn off the artificial sound on my EV?
A: In some models, yes—but disabling it may be illegal in countries with AVAS mandates. It’s not recommended from a safety standpoint.
Q: Are aftermarket AVAS kits available?
A: Yes, but their effectiveness varies. Factory-fitted systems are more reliable and better integrated.
Q: Is tyre noise enough for pedestrians to hear EVs?
A: Tyre and road noise help at higher speeds, but at low speeds they’re often not loud enough to be noticed.
10. Conclusion
The quiet nature of EVs is a benefit in many ways—but not without trade-offs. As EV adoption increases in Australia, so too must our approach to pedestrian safety. AVAS systems, public education, and urban design will all play a role in ensuring EVs remain both green and safe.
Silence may be golden in the cabin—but on the street, it needs a voice.
Are electric vehicles too quiet for safe Aussie roads? Explore the ‘quiet car problem,’ who it affects most, and how Australia is preparing to make EVs safer for all.