GAP-NOISE Project

Addressing the noise issue in electrified vehicles

Electrified vehicles (xEV) are becoming more and more common on our roads today as societies recognise their contribution to a cleaner environment. However, xEV are so quiet, that they could become dangerous for other road users like pedestrians and cyclists. In this context, the EU-funded GAP_Noise project will define a set of actions to fill the gap between the current knowledge and technology in xEV and human psychoacoustics. The project will combine the engineering field of electric motors, modelling methods, control strategies and the interaction between perceived sound quality and vibration to establish an ideal theoretical and practical environment to train scientists, engineers and social stakeholders in the acoustic integration of xEV.

Objective

Future urban mobility is envisioned with electrified vehicles (xEV) with driving assistance systems (such as autonomous vehicles, AV) coexisting with other road users like pedestrians and cyclists, resulting in smart and sustainable cities with less air and noise pollution.

However, one of the most significant problems with xEV in urban areas is the lack of noise. The noise reduction of vehicles has been very welcomed by society but with the inherent risk of losing its detectability, with particular attention to vulnerable road users. Several studies reported that xEVs are more likely to have more accidents with cyclists and run over pedestrians (especially the most vulnerable ones like blind people). External noise is one of the perils facing the quietness of xEV, but the interior noise should also be addressed. The internal acoustic and vibration environment would help reduce monotony and increase awareness of drivers using automated driving modes (with still required human feedback), and contribute to the passengers' welfare.

In xEV running at low speeds (urban areas), most internal and external noises are produced by the electric and electronic elements in the powertrain. The electrified powertrain offers the opportunity to create specific sounds following certain requirements and endorsing associations for increasing safety in road users, awareness of drivers, and comfort appreciation.

The GAP_NOISE project aims to define a set of actions to fill the gap between the current knowledge and technology in xEV and human psychoacoustics, combining the engineering fields of electric motors, modelling methods, control strategies, in addition to the recognized interaction between perceived sound quality and vibration. Thus, establishing an ideal theoretical and practical arena for developing a technologically strong community of scientists, engineers and social stakeholders capable of boosting the acoustic integration of autonomous vehicles in future urban areas.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement number 101073014.