If you're in a place with a lot of general noise, then it's not always possible to hear a petrol car (or even a diesel) if it's reversing out of a parking space. So this isn't a new problem.

Edited by Sofa Spud on 08/08/2021 at 13:51

Ime EVs are only quiet at very slow speeds. Ar 30+mph the main source of noise is tyre noise. Ev's are heavy, come with hard compound eco tyres. Just as noisy as many ICE coming towards you.

Surprised by the Teslas that pass me on a walk, noisier than many other cars.

We visited Zermatt a few years ago. Combustion engines are all but banned and all the EVs make a gentle Alpine cow bell sound. No accompanying methane emissions though.

Are you sure they had wheels and not legs?

When I get my EV i'll put it on the vuvuzela setting and turn it up to 11, just to be safe you understand....

Edited by brum on 08/08/2021 at 13:59

To be honest it's not just electric cars, if I'm driving slowly down a town/village street with lots of pedestrians milling around many people simply don't hear my 1.4tsi Superb. It's very quiet creeping along at low revs, I think it still has most of the under-bonnet soundproofing also fitted to the diesel versions.

I think it often also depends upon the type, size, quality and condition of the tyres fitted as well as other factors such as soundproofing, the shape of the car, the engine itself and very importantly, the road itself.

Nope .

20% of the population are officially elderly. Most of tehm have imapired hearing. I am elderly but have perfect hearing .( My favourite phrase is "would you repeat that please")

Not a problem with my 2010 VW Caddy 2.0 SDI (n/a), the only time it's quiet is when switched off!.

Likewise not a problem with my previous Superb fitted with the refined (NOT!!) 1.9pd