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BUZZ OFF
Pedestrians could soon be plagued by this annoying buzzing sound – but it’s for their own good
Jaguar has created a low hum noise for its electric I-Pace SUV to help protect people crossing the street and cyclists
UK STREETS may soon be filled with the sound of buzzing, as Jaguar has created the sound to make pedestrians more aware of their electric cars.
Designed to aid the visually impaired in particular, the noise is an important safety feature - but we're wondering why Jaguar didn't choose a better sound?
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The car maker has revealed the humming noise ahead of global requirements to include an audible alert in electric cars, with UK legislation coming into effect in July next year.
Engineers spent four years fine-tuning the tone to exceed the 56dB(A) minimum required of upcoming EU law.
However, it will only be heard at low speeds up to 20km/h (12mph), because tyre and wind noise is audible at higher speeds.
The pitch and volume of the sound rises as the car increases speed up to 12mph.
Hear Jaguar's buzzing sound for its electric I-Pace
Jaguar explained that initial attempts to create a noise inspired a sci-fi spacecraft had to be shelved after pedestrians reacted by looking up to the sky, rather than on the road as the vehicle approached.
Sound is emitted from a speaker behind the front grille, and can be heard in every direction.
The car maker has also added a reversing beeping tone for further safety, and all sounds cannot be turned off.
All sounds were developed in partnership with members of the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity.
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Iain Suffield, Technical Specialist at Jaguar Noise, Vibration and Harshness, said: "The absence of traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired.
"This is especially true at low speeds in town centres and car parks.
"We developed the Audible Vehicle Alert System for the I-Pace to ensure the safety of all road users.
"Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off and as the leading charity for people with sight loss, we are pleased to have the support of Guide Dogs to ensure real people are at the heart of our product testing."
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