Work

A correction model for the noise emissions of light electric vehicles during acceleration

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transition from light internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, such as cars and vans, to light electric vehicles (EVs) presents an opportunity to reduce road traffic noise exposure in urban environments, which still needs to be quantified. Although the noise emissions of light ICE vehicles are generally well understood, including during acceleration and deceleration, the noise emitted by light EVs has so far not been studied as thoroughly, in particular during acceleration. This study thus proposes a correction model for the noise emissions of light EVs during acceleration, based on pass-by measurements under reference conditions. Data were collected for 6 vehicle models at both steady speed and full acceleration. The difference in noise levels between these two conditions was analysed to develop the correction model. This correction model accounts for both speed and acceleration at an octave-band level. The resulting model shows that acceleration has no impact on the noise emissions of light EVs in the 63 and 125 Hz octave bands, and that acceleration may increase the overall A-weighted emissions of a light EV by up to 5 dBA, at 20 km/h. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that deceleration does not increase noise emissions for light EVs. This contribution paves the way for the integration of EV-specific noise emissions into noise exposure assessment frameworks, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits associated with the transition towards EVs. • The proposed model corrects light EVs noise emissions during acceleration. • Both speed and acceleration are considered, in each octave band. • The correction model may be used with any existing emission model for light EVs. • Acceleration can raise light EV noise by up to 5 dBA at 20 km/h. • Deceleration does not significantly impact light EVs noise emissions.

Source: Applied Acoustics

DOI: 10.1016/j.apacoust.2025.110713

Authors: Sacha Baclet, Julien Cesbron, Pierre Aumond, Arnaud Can, Romain Rumpler

Institutions: Digital Futures, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Université Gustave Eiffel, Unité Mixte de Recherche en Acoustique Environnementale

Language: English

Topic: Vehicle Noise and Vibration Control

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,820