[RahulNagaraj]

Honda, like other carmakers, will be emulating engine noises on its electric vehicles. However, the Japanese carmaker is reportedly taking it one step further.



As per reports, Honda's upcoming "0 Series" EVs, showcased recently, will feature a car selection menu on the instrument cluster. The EV will then replicate the engine noise of the specific car selected. The car menu comprises some of Honda's most noted performance models, ranging from the S2000, both generation NSXs, and Civic Type R. The selection menu also consists of a "VTEC" mode with a noticeable uptick in the engine noise volume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7sAmwC--30

What's more interesting is that, in addition to these cars, the selection menu also consists of a HondaJet, wherein the EV emulates the sounds of a real plane. A CRX and an F1 car option are also present in the selection menu but are currently locked, indicating they could be introduced at a slightly later stage. Apart from the engine noises, the EV's instrument cluster also changes to replicate that of the specific car selected. Reports also state that the seats of the EV also vibrate, further giving the feeling that one is driving the actual old sports car.

It doesn't end there, reports stated that Honda engineers also confirmed that the EV will get drive modes that come with artificial gear ratios that can be controlled via paddles - similar to that on the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Honda engineers stated that an artificial manual transmission has also been developed and exists internally. However, whether or not the company brings this tech into production models remains uncertain.

The tech, though, is still a work in progress. Honda still has to iron out the lag when switching between different modes. Also, the artificial engine noise reportedly requires some refining.

Source: TheDrive

Link to Team-BHP news

[PreludeSH]

Some car makers are so attached to ICE that they just don't want to let go of some experiences I feel for them and do feel the same. But not sure how long before there will be lot of people who will not care for these things and they stop this.

[nakul0888]

Originally Posted by PreludeSH

Some car makers are so attached to ICE that they just don't want to let go of some experiences I feel for them and do feel the same. But not sure how long before there will be lot of people who will not care for these things and they stop this.

These might just become an optional extra for those who want it.

[V.Narayan]

Holy Moly. The quietness, the smoothness, the gentleness of an EV are amongst its key attributes that row on the user and distinguish an EV from a noisy, vibrating ICE car. Why on God's good earth would you make an EV sound like an ICE!!? I hope they don't propose adding simulated vibration too

This is like saying we are tired of the plush air conditioned smoothness of a Vande Bharat train so we fit a blower that blows soot, coal dust and smoke in our faces so that we can feel nostalgic about them olde steam locomotives.

[SmartCat]

This will definitely bring most of the anti-EV car enthusiasts (who go on and on about price/range anxiety/charging infrastructure) into the EV fold.

[saket77]

Going against the undercurrent here. Detesting most of the things that Honda is doing here, I would appreciate this step. First for safety. It is obviously needed that in a chaotic road environment (esp likes of India), a 'sound emitting' EV is a necessity at least for now when it is surrounded by hundreds of ICE cars amongst other noise. As a pedestrian or even as a 2-Wheeler rider, I would always prefer some sound from vehicles around me invoking the use of one extra sensory organ to keep myself safe.

Another factor, people often tend to overspeed in absence of any sound from the engine. Human psychology afterall. A sound, even if artificial, emulating commensurate speeds would go a long way keeping such human behavior under check.

Also, this artificial sound may attract some percentage of ICE lovers- at least they get some aural thrill of ICE in the silent EVs.

What Honda is doing is going a step further to 'customize' those sounds. I see this as a creative and interesting way forward if implemented correctly, which I am reasonably sure of, given it is being engineered by Honda.

[manincar]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

A CRX and an F1 car option are also present in the selection menu but are currently locked, indicating they could be introduced at a slightly later stage.

Seems more like a subscription based service. Buy an EV and pay to make it sound like an ICE. Hope the driver doesn’t confuse his car to a gaming console

[Joe367]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Holy Moly. The quietness, the smoothness, the gentleness of an EV are amongst its key attributes that row on the user and distinguish an EV from a noisy, vibrating ICE car. Why on God's good earth would you make an EV sound like an ICE!!? I hope they don't propose adding simulated vibration too

It might seem counter intuitive at first, but then seeing the reviews of cars like Ioniq 5 N, if executed properly it can make cars feel more fun and engaging to drive. In 5N the only issue was that the sound options were very limited.
There are a lot of manufactures who pump engine noises through speakers even in ICE vehicles - It makes driving more engaging and fun and is less distracting compared to playing music. Also it can be switched off at any point of time, I'm surprised why people don't want this even as an option?!

[V.Narayan]

On a lighter vein this sounds like car buyers in 1905 wanting an artificial clippity-clop sound to be fitted to their car to make them feel at home with their earlier horse carriage days.

The current generation of ICE users transitioning to EVs might find this appealing but soon we may have a new generation of drivers who grew up on an "only EV" diet and might find these features funny.