The ascent of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a monumental shift toward sustainability and innovation. But the transition amplifies a challenge that was once overshadowed by the rumble of internal combustion engines (ICEs): road and tire noise. In the age of EVs, understanding and mitigating these noise sources has become more crucial than ever. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of road and tire noise testing in EVs, highlighting why it's a pivotal aspect of automotive engineering and design.
The Quiet Revolution
Electric vehicles promise a quieter, more serene driving experience, free from the traditional noise of ICEs. However, this silence accentuates another form of noise—road and tire noise—which constitutes approximately 40% of the entire sound field in EVs. Unlike in ICE vehicles, where the engine's noise often masks other sounds, road noise becomes significantly more noticeable in EVs, particularly at lower speeds (between 40-100 km/25-62 mph). This not only affects the comfort and driving experience but also poses a challenge for automotive engineers and designers.
The Importance of Road and Tire Noise Testing
The shift to electric mobility makes road and tire noise testing an indispensable part of the vehicle development process. Road noise, primarily caused by the interaction between the tire tread and road surface, is an annoying interior noise in any vehicle. However, in EVs, it often becomes problematic at lower speeds. With the absence of engine noise to mask these sounds, the focus on creating a quiet cabin environment intensifies.
Testing and mitigating road and tire noise require sophisticated equipment and methodologies. The process involves analyzing sound pressure levels, spectra, and articulation index across various speeds and road surfaces. Such comprehensive testing ensures that noise levels are minimized, enhancing the overall vehicle comfort and driving experience.
Tackling the Challenge with Advanced Technology
To effectively address the complexities of road and tire noise in EVs, selecting the right microphones for interior and exterior noise testing is paramount. For instance, the GRAS 147AX CCP Rugged Pressure Microphone, in conjunction with the GRAS 146AE ½'' CCP Free-field Microphone Set, is recommended for road noise application testing. These tools are specifically designed to withstand the demanding environments of road noise testing, providing accurate and reliable data essential for developing quieter EVs
Download our Brochure to get the Full Story
If you want to dive deeper into the subject of road and tire noise testing, you can download our brochure on the subject right here. It outlines the challenges and solutions associated with road noise testing, and recommends microphones and calibrators that will put you firmly on the road to success.
