Jump to content

Hybrids need some grunt

Hybrids need some grunt

CheeJun

863 views

blogentry-60387-1263830549.jpg

As we are all familiar by now, hybrid cars run on both petrol engine and an electric motor. And this has caused a rather unusual problem. They're too quiet and that poses a source of danger to pedestrians like children or old people who can't really hear that well. Amazingly, hybrid cars such as the Prius only emit 30 decibels which is as loud as a Careless Whisperer.. The Japanese government is stepping in to tackle this new problem on their hands, one which they created for themselves in the interest of public safety and being environmentally friendly.

 

What they plan to do is to install a simple device that makes a noise while the car is operating on its electric motor. The biggest problem that the Japanese government faces is the kind of sound that the car should make. Some suggested the sound of a horse's hooves, the voice of a person shouting out warnings, or the amplified sound of tyres. One thing's for sure is that the Japanese never fail to entertain just by looking at the suggestions to solve the problem! However, the Transport Authorities aren't going to make it compulsory to install such sound-generating devices into hybrids or electric cars even though they are becoming increasingly popular in Japan. Just imagine the roads of Japan with sounds of ducks, horses, monkeys? A jet fighter, a bomb, a phone ringing, an ice-cream van jingle. The list can go on... Which is why the authorities want to standardize the type of sound emitted before they implement such measures.

 

Since Japan is always at the forefront of technological advances, I believe that if Singapore follows their example of promoting environmentally friendly vehicles like hybrids and EVs (electric vehicles), we will face the same problem they are facing now one day. So get our heads cracking and decide whether your car should go 'Moo' or 'Ruff ruff!'... But come on, what's wrong with conventional engine noises? Stuff your eco-friendly car with some Bose speakers and blast the sound of a burbling Supercharged V8 from a Mercedes SLR or something and the problem is solved.

 

Well that's one possibility. What do you think?




4 Comments


Recommended Comments

Synthesized bicycle ring should do wander. [flowerface]

 

Seriously, silent electrical drive, which the Prius is capable of, is one of advantage reducing noise-pollution around residential area and car parks, isn't it ?

Link to comment

Given the tax structure of our country, it would be a wonder if hybrid truly dominate our roads. So, I seriously think this is one issue that we need to be bother about.

 

Afterall, the above mentioned group has no official business on the road. If our horn can't stop them, nothing will.

Link to comment

Easy. Just dun make the electric motors so silent. Use sub-standard & low quality parts such that the motor produces a lot of noise when running at any speed. :D

 

It's a silly statement anyway. With youngsters' ears filled with ipod & iphone tunes, they can't even hear an oncoming train anyways.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • A 20-year journey, an old passion rekindled

    For us 90s babies, the Holy Trinity of Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network formed a big part of our childhood. The internet was just about coming into fruition, with the rise of a plethora of websites with numerous entertaining flash games and of course, the early days of YouTube. And though those things have come and gone, one thing in my life remained constant: My love for Pokemon. I first got into Pokemon 20 years ago, and I remember exactly how it went down. Let me set the

    Japan is weird. I love it (Part 7)

    Ok, the title might be slightly misleading, but there is still a Japan-link.  So, pufferfish. Specifically, a wikipedia entry called Pufferfish mating ritual.  Long story short, one particular species of pufferfish make complex geometric circles in the sand to attract a mate. And this particular species is found only in Japan.  It's beautiful. It's bizarre. And it's absolutely amazing.  From the wikipedia entry: In a 2014 documentary by the BBC, narrator David Atten

    bobthemob

    bobthemob

    What to expect at the new Audi House of Progress Singapore

    The new Audi House of Progress Singapore is a brand new retail space that promises to deliver elevated experiences. The new Audi House of Progress Singapore is the German marque's brand new flagship retail space, combining retail opportunities with customer-centric experiences. With the brand transitioning to a direct-to-consumer sales model, the House of Progress represents the definitive touchpoint where guests can get up close and personal with the Audi brand. But, this is no simple

    bobthemob

    bobthemob

    Germany is weird, too

    As we've previously established and regularly highlighted, Japan is pretty weird.  And as it turns out, Germany's kinda weird, too:  m2-res_720p.mp4 The above video has been making its rounds on social media, and the simplest description of it is that it's a game where they are trying to cut an object (here, a pretzel) EXACTLY in half. It's pretty amazing that the person actually succeeds, but the fact that this is a game at all (on TV, no less) is fascinating.  Schlag d

    bobthemob

    bobthemob

×
×
  • Create New...