Electric vehicles are eerily quiet. For decades, the rumble of an engine was part of the thrill of driving. But as combustion engines fade into the past, carmakers are left facing a new challenge: how do you make an electric car sound exciting?
Enter the age of synthetic sound. From Porsche’s Electric Sport Sound to BMW’s HypersonX and Hyundai’s N Active Sound+, manufacturers are investing serious time and money into making EVs feel like traditional petrol cars. But the idea is dividing drivers. Some love the theatre. Others think it’s an unnecessary gimmick.
So, should EVs really try to sound like petrol-powered cars?
Why Are Manufacturers Adding Fake Engine Noise to EVs
At the heart of this trend is the idea that driving is a sensory experience. For petrolheads, the growl of a V8 or the pop of an exhaust is as important as handling or speed. EVs, by contrast, are nearly silent — especially at low speeds.
Manufacturers argue that synthetic sound serves two purposes:
- Emotional engagement: Engine noise helps create a connection between driver and car
- Auditory feedback: It gives drivers a sense of acceleration, speed, and power
Brands like Porsche and BMW say their artificial soundscapes are finely tuned to offer a more immersive, satisfying drive. Hyundai goes a step further by mimicking gear changes and even adding backfire-style effects in the Ioniq 5 N.
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What Does Fake Engine Noise Actually Sound Like?
Not all synthetic sounds are equal. Some aim to mimic petrol engines; others go fully futuristic.
- Porsche Taycan: Subtle hum that intensifies with speed, echoing classic sports car dynamics
- BMW HypersonX: A fusion of natural sounds and digital tones, tailored to match the Neue Klasse’s drive modes
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Aggressive growls, simulated gear shifts, and even pops and crackles in ‘Ignition’ mode
Some EVs let you customise the sound, toggle it on or off, or choose between multiple modes. Others lock it in as part of the driving experience.
The Arguments For Fake Engine Sound
Supporters of synthetic sound argue that:
- It enhances enjoyment: Especially in sporty models, it brings drama back to the driving experience
- It helps performance driving: Engine notes give useful cues during acceleration or deceleration
- It eases the transition for petrol fans: Making EVs more familiar can help convert traditional drivers
For some, the lack of noise in EVs is a deal-breaker. Reintroducing sound might not just be about nostalgia — it could be key to broader adoption.
The Arguments Against It
But not everyone is a fan. Commenters on recent EV sound articles often express scepticism — or outright derision. Here’s why:
- It’s inauthentic: Why make a car pretend to be something it’s not?
- It’s unnecessary: Many EV drivers appreciate the silence
- It could be annoying: Especially if the sounds are loud or can’t be turned off
- It misses the point: EVs should lean into what makes them different, not try to imitate the past
As one commenter put it: “It’s like trying to make a vegan sausage roll taste like a real sausage roll. Hypocritical and pointless.”
Safety: The Real Reason EVs Need to Make Noise
There’s another, more practical reason for EV sound — safety.
Because EVs are so quiet at low speeds, they pose a higher risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired road users. In fact, studies suggest pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by an EV than an ICE vehicle.
This led to the EU mandating Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) on all new EVs since 2019. These generate low-speed warning sounds up to 12.4mph to alert people nearby.
The sounds vary by manufacturer, but they’re designed to be non-intrusive and futuristic — not roaring engines. Anything beyond that is optional.
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What Do UK Drivers Really Want
There’s no single answer. A 2024 survey by Venson Automotive Solutions found that:
- 47% of pedestrians are concerned about how quiet EVs are
- 26% of road users would prefer EVs to mimic traditional engine noise
- 37% think car buyers should be able to pick the noise from a list of options
- Only 13% favour standardised manufacturer-branded sounds
This reflects a desire for choice, not uniformity. Many EV owners love the peacefulness of silent driving. Others want the emotional punch of performance sound. The future may lie in letting drivers decide.
Could Custom Sound Be the Future?
Some have even suggested EVs could allow full personalisation of sound — a bit like choosing a ringtone. Fancy your car sounding like a TIE Fighter? Or perhaps the hum of a spaceship? Why not?
This concept, while still niche, is technically possible. Tesla already offers custom horn sounds and light shows. Hyundai and BMW are experimenting with downloadable sound profiles.
With enough regulation to keep things safe, this could turn EVs into something even petrol cars could never be — fully customisable in sound and character.
The Final Word on Should EVs Make a Noise?
As with most things in the EV world, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all debate. Fake engine noise will likely appeal to a segment of drivers — especially those coming from performance cars who miss the drama and feedback. Others will happily cruise in silence, enjoying the modern serenity that electric driving brings.
The important thing is choice. Let us all customise or disable the sounds as we see fit!
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
