EVs are much quieter by nature, so more thought is needed about the sound they make when performing routine tasks. Rivian sees this as an opportunity to reinforce the outdoor brand of its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV, choosing sounds inspired by nature.
Even without an internal combustion engine, cars still make a lot of sound. From turn signals to audible pedestrian warnings now required on electric and hybrid vehicles, each needs to be chosen with purpose. Rivian worked with sound design firm Audio UX to do this, reducing about 900 sounds down to about 40 sounds that actually went into the production vehicle, the company said.
Among the winners were wind and water-based pedestrian warning sounds, wood-like slams for turn signals, and dual car lock sounds based on the call of mountain bluebirds.
Try the Rivian R1T sound
Rivian notes that the frequencies of birdsong are within the most sensitive hearing range of the human ear, making them suitable for car announcements. According to the automaker, the higher-frequency chirping also aids directional positioning, while still blending into the natural sound, unlike the usual beeping of a car horn.
However, R1T and R1S not only play recorded bird calls. Sound engineers recorded birds in Yellowstone National Park, then partially isolated, accelerated, and increased in intensity.
Engineers also aim to group several types of sounds based on function. The navigational alert and associated sounds are largely animal-inspired, while the warning sounds use heterogeneous chords with a fast repeating single note at the end, which Rivian claims cuts off the sounds. other noise.
Other automakers have tried to put a unique signature on the EV warning sound. The group behind the sounds in Ford Mustang Mach-E didn’t want something like the digital sound of an internal combustion engine, aiming for something both new and familiar to match the electrification of the popular Mustang nameplate.
Nissan reviewed a “Canto” sound For current and future electric vehicles, in the automaker’s words, it’s “energizing” and “confident.” While Dodge, on the other hand, is looking for an isolated “bone-shaking” sound system to put a lot of electrical noise in it. Charger Daytona SRT muscle car concept.
Many automakers have figured out how to synchronize their vehicle audio themes with those that electric vehicles need to generate at low speeds to warn pedestrians, according to federal regulations. A recent petition seeks to make that rule retroactive 9 million older hybrids and EVsalso.
