You’re in a parking lot when you hear it — an almost otherworldly sound, as if you are being summoned by aliens or angels. Then an electric vehicle rolls by.
EV sounds are becoming more common and varied. Some emit futuristic hums, while others sound more ethereal or replicate combustion engine noise. The BMW M sound was even composed by Hans Zimmer.
Listen to this playlist to hear the many different types of EV sounds.
Why the symphony? Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs and hybrids are quiet — so quiet that a certain amount of noise is now required for pedestrian safety.
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems
Since Sept. 1, 2020, hybrids and EVs have been required to emit warning sounds using an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System or AVAS when stationary, in reverse or traveling less than 18.6 mph.
The minimum sound level is to ensure pedestrians, bicyclists and people who are blind or hearing-impaired can detect EVs and hybrids over background noises, according to a U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruling. Other nations have adopted similar regulations.
Manufacturers are able to choose the EV sound, and some researchers are testing the most effective noises.
The required EV noises are still quieter than what a gas-powered vehicle emits but are sufficient to provide a “heads up” to pedestrians, said Jeff Allen, executive director of Forth Mobility, an advocacy group for electric vehicles@
Why EV Noise Is Good
EV motors are about 10 decibels quieter than gas cars, according to GRIDSERVE, so the integration of artificial sound makes sense for safety. In fact, studies have shown a correlation between sound regulations and a decrease in pedestrian collisions.
Casualty rates for EVs dropped from just over 137 per billion miles between 2014 and 2018 to about 58 per billion miles between 2019 and 2023, according to one study.
Manufacturers are taking the rules seriously. In December 2025, Mercedes-Benz recalled 1,899 of its 2024-2025 AMG EQE SUV models because their warning noise was not loud enough.
Exercise Caution Around All Vehicles
Not all research agrees that EVs pose a greater risk to pedestrians.
While a 2024 study by researchers in London found that pedestrians are more likely to be struck by an EV or hybrid, research by the University of Leeds found the pedestrian collision rate to be around the same as gas-powered cars.
But no matter the motor, people are safer in traffic when they remain aware. All cars are operating more quietly, and there is no room for distraction.
“Stay alert and engaged as a pedestrian, regardless of the type of vehicles around you,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and industry relations for AAA.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
