Test drive

KlausK said:

The one issue is the noise machine at low speeds. I realize this is required in Europe - but is this necessary in the US or can this be turned off?

Click to expand...

Yes, since September 2020, artificial noise is required on all EV's while travelling below 18.6 mph.

KlausK said:

The one issue is the noise machine at low speeds. I realize this is required in Europe - but is this necessary in the US or can this be turned off?

Click to expand...

From a pedestrian point of view, it is definitely needed--I walk a lot in an urban area and have had a couple of close calls with the silent Teslas that come out of nowhere since they are so speedy. Although I do think the volume on the ID4's warning system could be turned down a bit through software changes. Maybe if we all suggest this to the powers that be...

KatEV said:

Although I do think the volume on the ID4's warning system could be turned down a bit through software changes. Maybe if we all suggest this to the powers that be...

Click to expand...

In the Kona world, people wanted some way to customize the sound. Personally I wanted Jetsons. Others wanted something more like a tie-fighter.

Then there was some guy who figured out the protocol, and made his Kona sound like a GP9 locomotive. There is a YouTube video demonstrating this.

ericy said:

In the Kona world, people wanted some way to customize the sound. Personally I wanted Jetsons. Others wanted something more like a tie-fighter. Then there was some guy who figured out the protocol, and made his Kona sound like a GP9 locomotive.

Click to expand...

That's pretty cool! I think car manufacturers are missing out on this opportunity to sell cars with customizable pedestrian warning sound EVs! You get sound options on your cell phone; why not your car?

KatEV said:

That's pretty cool! I think car manufacturers are missing out on this opportunity to sell cars with customizable pedestrian warning sound EVs! You get sound options on your cell phone; why not your car?

Click to expand...

Imagine what city streets would sound like if that were the case!

FinleyFinn said:

Imagine what city streets would sound like if that were the case!

Click to expand...

It would be insane! It's already going to be strange with many different car manufacturer sounds. I'm picturing cacophonous bumper to bumper slow-moving traffic in a future of EVs. But at least we'll breathe clean air...

My sister complained to me that my Bolt EV and other EV's are too quiet. She was taking a walk a while back and an EV snuck up on her and scared her. She was looking at her phone and didn't look up when crossing a street! I called her an idiot because I KNOW our mother taught us to look both ways before crossing a street. So, the laws are idiot proofing new EV's because too many pedestrians are IDIOTS!

PerryC said:

My sister complained to me that my Bolt EV and other EV's are too quiet. She was taking a walk a while back and an EV snuck up on her and scared her. She was looking at her phone and didn't look up when crossing a street! I called her an idiot because I KNOW our mother taught us to look both ways before crossing a street. So, the laws are idiot proofing new EV's because too many pedestrians are IDIOTS!

Click to expand...

Or, you know, some people have visual impairments and rely on other senses to be aware of traffic.

PerryC said:

My sister complained to me that my Bolt EV and other EV's are too quiet. She was taking a walk a while back and an EV snuck up on her and scared her. She was looking at her phone and didn't look up when crossing a street! I called her an idiot because I KNOW our mother taught us to look both ways before crossing a street. So, the laws are idiot proofing new EV's because too many pedestrians are IDIOTS!

Click to expand...

A few months ago I was a few blocks from my house and this lady was walking straight down the middle of the street just looking at her phone having no clue of her surroundings. Naturally, I slowed down and crept towards her to see how long before she realized where she was. I think I was about 6 feet from her (driving towards her) before she even realized I was there. I wished I remember to record the event because her reaction was priceless when she realized what she was doing.

I won't mind the pedestrian warning sound - I have lost count how many times people just walk in the middle of lanes in parking lots completely obliviously and I don't like honking my horn at them.