Automakers add artificial sounds to make EV engines purr

摘要

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG is the latest automaker to add artificial sound to an electric vehicle. The German company installed a "sonorous purring" in its e-Smart city car that simulates the engine noise made by conventional autos. "People expect some exterior noise from a vehicle, because we all grew up with the 'vroom vroom' of combustion engines," said Christoph Meier, Daimler's head of powertrain acoustics. Daimler joins Nissan Motor Co. and other automakers that have already made the design switch to satisfy regulators and safety advocates.