Influence of unexpected engine start sound of hybrid vehicle in cabin -Comparison between Japanese and German drivers

摘要

In this study, we investigated an impression of engine automatic start sounds for charging electricity of hybrid electric vehicles having idling reduction function. Subjective evaluation test employing various idling sounds of hybrid vehicles were carried out by Japanese and German participants. As a result, uneasiness feeling was found to be increased by the automatic engine start sound in both countries. In addition, upper limit of engine rotational speed and loudness of the engine sound were analyzed not to increase the uneasiness feeling in the cabin. The analytical results indicated the upper limits of the engine start sound were 1400 rpm in Japanese, and 900 rpm in German participants. In addition, 6 sone in Japanese and 4 sone in German participants were analyzed as the upper limit loudness. Consequently, German participants were found to be more sensitive to the engine automatic start sound than Japanese.