Audible Pedestrian protection: Artificial sound for BMW i3 and i8

Since the MINI E trial vehicles were introduced, the “engine sound” and pedestrian protection issue was already highlighted to make sure that pedestrians are safe. People are used to hearing slightly noisy gasoline and diesel vehicles and know the sound of a car approaching.

The BMW i3, being a virtually noiseless driving car, offers consumers the option to order a special equipment found in the options list for the BMW i3 and i8 called “Audible Pedestrian Protection”. This system works up to a speed of 30 km/h with a turbine-like external sound being generated. For vehicle-start, the Audible Pedestrian Protection is always active, but it can be disabled by pressing a button when silence is desired. Artificial sounds may also be offered for other BMW vehicles in the future.

The artificial noise alerts passers-by and at the same time reassure the driver of the quiet cars, because after all, nobody wants to be an unnecessarily high risk to pedestrians.

Source: Bimmertoday