Noise is a huge issue across the UK – but can electric cars be part of the solution to reduce noise pollution? A study by GRIDSERVE found 81% of people can hear traffic noise from their house with one in seven completely unable to escape the rumble. A third of people said they are losing sleep because of loud night-time traffic, a fifth said the background noise was impacting their mental health, while some even reported that their house regularly shakes due to heavy traffic. The excess road noise pollution is forcing people to keep windows shut, play music or use ear plugs or ear defenders. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports around 40% of adults in Europe are exposed to long-term average noise levels about 55 decibels (dB). That’s well above the 30dB level that the WHO says is the recommended noise levels for communities (equivalent to a loud conversation). And it found that adults living in areas with the noisiest daytime traffic were five per cent more likely to be hospitalised for strokes than those from quieter areas, as well as suffer from stress-related health issues.

Are electric cars quieter than petrol and diesel cars?

Data shows that a widespread switch to electric vehicles would have a massive impact on reducing traffic noise emissions, with the average electric vehicle around 10dB quieter than a petrol or diesel equivalent. Why? There’s no noisy and rattling internal combustion engine up front. In comparison, an electric motor makes almost no noise with a gentle whine or whistling noise the only thing it emits, regardless of speed. Beyond that, the only noise that transmits outside the electric car is the soft rumble of tyres on the tarmac. In residential areas where most are travelling at low speeds, it means engine noise produced by a single combustion powered vehicle is as loud as 10 electric vehicles. Spread this impact across the country and the number of people exposed to harmful noise pollution would be drastically reduced, not to mention the benefit to air quality in these areas.

Electric vehicles reduce perceived interior noise

It’s not just about reduced noise pollution for those outside the car, either. Perceived interior noise for the electric car driver is massively reduced. An electric car is in a different league when it comes to the absence of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) compared to a diesel or petrol car. There’s no engine cylinders producing pulsations or clunky gear changes to worry about. As a result, many electric vehicle drivers report feeling calmer in their electric cars as a result. This has a direct impact on your tiredness and stress levels behind the wheel when driving long distances, too. The consistent hum of the engine (the main car noise of a petrol or diesel car) and the focus required for such a long period of time puts load on your mind (and body), which in turns accelerates the feelings of fatigue. A study by DS Automobiles revealed that a third of EV owners found their electric cars less stressful than petrol or diesel equivalents. The silent and smooth ride helping to create a more relaxed environment.