Motorists want EVs to sound like conventionally powered vehicles

A study conducted by audio company, Harman Kardon, suggests that a majority of British drivers want electric cars to sound like conventionally-powered vehicles.

Answered by 2,000 participants, 57% believe the car's 'noise' should be coupled to acceleration and braking, with a conventional petrol or diesel soundtrack preferred.

Opinions are split among different types of car owners; family-car drivers favour a quieter and smoother noise, like a soft whirr, while, 58% of sportscar owners, and 63% of 4x4 drivers, want a traditional engine sound. Moreover, 70% believe that respective brands should have their own characteristic sound.

The survey also revealed that drivers consider hybrids and EVs to be 'trendy', 'adventurous', and 'quirky', while traditional-powered cars were seen as 'confident', 'powerful', and 'trustworthy'.