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Hybrids Too QuietStory by Jeff Feldsher - October 13,2007 With an ever increasing number of hybrid vehicles hitting the streets, a large problem has crept up on part of the population, specifically the blind. Typically hybrid cars run on a combination of electric and gas power. Due to excellent torque characteristics, electric power is used for initial acceleration, when a certain speed is attained the engine switches to gas mode. This provides excellent fuel economy while recharging the battery cells to improve over-all range. However at low speeds, such as one might encounter at an intersection or cross-walk, the car disengages its gas motor and runs solely on electric power. At these speeds hybrid vehicles are virtually silent, making them invisible to non or partially sighted people.
The National Federation of the Blind have indicated they do not wish these hybrids be scrapped, but for them to simply make a little noise. Hybid manufacturers such as Toyota, whose Prius has been one of the best selling hybrid cars to date, have been alerted and are studying the matter. "One of the many benefits of the Prius, besides excellent fuel economy and low emissions, is quiet performance. Not only does it not pollute the air, it doesn't create noise pollution. We are studying the issue and trying to find that delicate balance." said Bill Kwong, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has created a committee to examine the subject and possibly introduce a minimum noise requirement into hybrid vehicle legislation. However implementing such a measure will take some time as official governing bodies will have to get on board.
Even people with normal vision have reported problems noticing hybrids and are often surprised to see one creep up on them - seemingly out of nowhere. The cost of adding an artificial sound producing device has been found to be relatively small. If there is enough public support, automobile manufacturers may decide to implement the change on their own. No doubt adding a non-offensive sound to these vehicles will make crossing the street safer for everyone.
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