There's nothing scarier than jamming down the road on my bike when a hybrid or EV zips past me without making a sound. I'm sure if it sounded like a speeder or pod racer from Star Wars, I'd not only hear it coming, but chase it down while making tie fighter sound effects of my own.
Earlier this year the EU ruled that zero emission vehicles will be required to emit artificial warning sounds for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Automakers will be permitted to provide their own "signature tune", and Star Wars sound effects are [thankfully] on the table of those audible warnings being seriously considered.
Toyota has followed suit and will be selling a $148 speaker system in Japan beginning August 30th. According to CNET:
[The speakers] will play sounds under the hood to help the Prius achieve the "same noise level as a regular car engine."
For now, Toyota will only be selling the speaker system in Japan, and the purchase is voluntary. But a Toyota rep told the AP that the company is considering bringing the feature to the United States and other markets.
Nissan is reported to also include a safety sound system it its electric LEAF coming in December. Please, oh please, let there be a choice of Star Wars sound effects for the LEAF and Prius audible warning systems.
Photo: Paul Garland/Flickr
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