Sienna Rhodes
Electric vehicles, such as Teslas, are known for their quiet engines. However, some Tesla owners have reported hearing unusual sounds coming from their cars, leading to questions about whether Teslas have fake car sounds. While some people enjoy the quietness of electric vehicles, others have expressed interest in adding engine noises to enhance the driving experience. This has sparked discussions within the Tesla community about the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing fake engine sounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Teslas make fake noise while in drive? | Yes, some models like the 2022 MYLR make a fake noise while in drive. |
| Purpose of the fake noise | To warn pedestrians of an approaching car and to improve safety. |
| Type of sounds | "Sporty Engine", "Electric Hum", "Jet Engine", "V8 Engine", "Spaceship", "Rumbling V6", "Classic Muscle Car", "Futuristic Engine", "High-Pitched Whirring", "Gear Whine", "Whooshing/Rushing", etc. |
| Customization | Drivers can customize the sounds through the car's control system. |
| Entertainment sounds | "Not a Fart", imitation of farts when passengers sit down or press buttons. |
| Sound activation | The sound is activated when the Model 3 is shifted out of Park and gets louder as the speed increases. |
| Volume control | The volume of the sound can be controlled, just like the radio. |
| User preferences | Some users prefer the quietness of the electric car, while others enjoy the simulated engine sounds. |
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What You'll Learn
The Pedestrian Warning Speaker (PWS)
While some Tesla owners have reported hearing a constant whooshing, rushing, or running noise when their car is in drive, it is unclear whether this sound is specifically associated with the PWS. However, the PWS system in the Tesla Model 3 is known to produce a sound when driving at speeds below 40 km/h or when reversing. This is in line with regulations in certain regions, such as the EU, which require electric vehicles to make a fake noise when travelling below 20 km/h.
Tesla has also introduced various entertainment sounds, such as the "Not a Fart" feature, which adds an element of humour to the driving experience. Additionally, some Tesla models offer customizable engine sound simulations, allowing drivers to select from a range of options, including "Sporty Engine," "Jet Engine," "Electric Hum," and even unique sounds like "Spaceship." These sounds are designed to enhance the driving experience and make the car more noticeable on the road.
While some Tesla owners appreciate the added safety and uniqueness that the PWS and engine sound simulations provide, others prefer the quietness and smoothness of a silent electric vehicle. The inclusion of sound options that can be turned on or off caters to diverse preferences among Tesla drivers.
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Fake engine noises
Electric vehicles, including Teslas, are almost silent, particularly when travelling at low speeds. This can be a safety issue, as pedestrians may not be aware of an approaching electric car. To address this, some Teslas are fitted with a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) or Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which emits a noise to alert pedestrians. Some users have described this noise as a "whooshing", "rushing" or "warbling" sound.
In addition to these warning sounds, some Teslas also offer a range of entertainment sounds, including a feature called "Not a Fart", which plays imitation fart noises when passengers sit down or press buttons.
There is also some discussion among Tesla owners and enthusiasts about the potential for Teslas to have simulated engine noises. Some argue that the addition of a fake engine noise could enhance the driving experience, allowing users to feel more connected to the car and simulate the sound of a traditional muscle car or sports car. Others prefer the quietness of electric vehicles and argue that adding a fake engine noise would be unnecessary and even silly.
While Teslas do not currently have simulated engine noises, there are some aftermarket solutions available, such as the THOR AVAS system, which offers a range of synthetic sounds for electric vehicles, including "Future Car", "Millenium Rider" and "Stellar".
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EU law and fake car sounds
Electric vehicles, such as Teslas, can be very quiet, especially when compared to their gas-powered counterparts. This lack of noise can be a danger to other road users, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted. In recognition of this, the EU introduced legislation that requires all new models of electric cars sold in the European Union to make artificial noise under certain conditions. These are known as Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) or Pedestrian Warning Speakers (PWS). The sound should be similar to (and not louder than) a traditional combustion engine and should give pedestrians an idea of what the vehicle is doing, for example, by synchronizing with its speed.
The EU legislation was passed in 2014, with a five-year transitional period before it became mandatory for all electric and hybrid vehicles. The regulation also requires manufacturers to provide consumers with sound emission data and information on sound levels at the point of sale and in technical promotional material. This includes details on tyre noise, which is a significant part of a vehicle's overall sound output.
The EU is not alone in introducing such regulations. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required all hybrid and electric vehicles to emit artificial noise by September 2020, but at a slightly faster speed of 18.6 mph.
Some have criticised the EU regulation, arguing that fake exhaust noise is not cool and that the loud sounds of sports cars will become a thing of the past. Others have pointed out that exhaust noise is mostly there for cabin occupants to enjoy, and not to impress people outside the vehicle.
While the EU law focuses on electric and hybrid vehicles, it also requires conventional cars and lorries with petrol and diesel engines to reduce their noise output by 25%.
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Customisable sounds
The customisability of sounds in Teslas is a notable feature that has sparked mixed reactions among consumers. Some enthusiasts appreciate the ability to simulate engine sounds, such as those of a Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. This feature adds an element of fun and excitement to the driving experience, especially for those who associate engine noises with performance and pleasure. On the other hand, some Tesla owners prefer the quietness and smoothness of driving without artificial noises. They relish the silent glide of their electric vehicles and consider fake engine sounds unnecessary or even silly.
One of the most popular sound options available in Teslas is the "Futuristic Engine," which evokes the sound of a spaceship from science fiction movies. This sound profile appeals to those who embrace the futuristic and innovative nature of electric vehicles. Another sought-after choice is the "Classic Muscle Car" sound, designed to mimic the powerful roar of a gasoline engine. This option caters to individuals who appreciate the traditional muscle car sound and want to blend it with the modern electric car experience.
In addition to performance and engine sounds, Tesla also offers a range of entertainment-focused sound options. One notable example is the "Not a Fart" feature, which introduces a playful element to the driving experience. This feature triggers humorous sounds, such as imitation farts, when passengers sit down or press buttons. While some may find this feature amusing, others may prefer to keep their driving experience more subdued.
The customisable sound effects in Teslas not only cater to individual preferences but also contribute to safety. The Pedestrian Warning System, for instance, generates sounds at speeds below a certain threshold or when reversing, alerting nearby pedestrians of the vehicle's presence. This feature is particularly important for electric cars, which operate silently and may otherwise pose a risk to unaware bystanders.
Overall, the customisable sounds in Teslas offer a unique blend of entertainment, performance simulation, and safety enhancements. While some owners embrace the opportunity to personalise their driving experience, others remain loyal to the quiet elegance of electric vehicles.
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Entertainment sounds
There are mixed opinions on whether or not Tesla should introduce fake engine sounds for entertainment. Some people believe that adding a fake engine sound would enhance the driving experience, providing fun and excitement. For example, users could download any car noise they like, from a Ferrari to a Lamborghini, or even digitally created sounds. These sounds could be applied to the sound system inside the car, providing a unique and enjoyable driving experience without disturbing pedestrians.
However, others argue that adding fake engine sounds to an electric car is unnecessary and even silly. Some people prefer the quietness and smoothness of driving a Tesla without any added noise. They believe that the silence of electric vehicles is one of their unique and appealing features. Additionally, some individuals find entertainment in the high-pitched whirring sound produced when the car accelerates.
Tesla has introduced a feature called "Not a Fart," which plays funny sounds, such as imitation farts, when passengers sit down or press buttons. This feature adds an element of humour and fun to the ride, making it more memorable and unusual.
While there are differing opinions on the matter, some believe that shaping the perfect sound for a Tesla is easier than for a traditional car because it starts as silent, and one can simply add the desired noise and connect it to the gas pedal. Tesla is constantly working to expand its range of sound effects to cater to various driver preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Teslas have external speakers that produce fake car sounds, often to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's presence.
The fake car sounds are implemented to improve safety and help pedestrians and other drivers perceive the car on the road.
No, the fake car sounds are typically activated when the car is shifted out of park and increase in volume as the speed increases.
Yes, you can turn off the fake car sounds. However, some older Tesla models may not have this feature.
Yes, Tesla offers a range of customizable sound effects that you can select and change through the car's control system.
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