Electric Motors vs. Traditional Diesel Engines
Issue Three
The public’s perception of electric vehicles is that they are the ‘silent’ vehicles of the future. However, in practice, large electric vehicles such as buses require an electric motor that generates significant traction. It is difficult to produce this amount of energy without emitting a significant amount of acoustic energy too and more energy produces louder sounds.
Throughout this series, we will look at why noise control is still an integral aspect of the development of electric bus models. This Issue focuses specifically on the noise differences between electric motors vs. traditional diesel engines.
While the overall noise levels generated by electric buses are commonly (but not always) lower than that of a diesel engine, the noise signature is made up of a collection of a limited number of tonal ‘whines’ that are piercingly uncomfortable to the ear. These noises are heard both inside and outside of the vehicle and can affect the sound quality of the vehicle creating a less comfortable ride for the passenger.
These perceptions are putting immense pressure on vehicle OEMs to produce vehicles that match the expectations of the market, as it progresses from diesel to electric vehicles.
