When we think about integrating electric cars into our communities, it is critical to rely on objective decibel limits to separate necessary safety features from “cosmetic sounds”.

To ensure pedestrian safety, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are required to emit a soft hum at low speeds, and this is the only external sound an EV should produce. We must ensure that the automotive push for "emotion" and "branding" with fake engine sounds does not override our need for healthy, livable communities.

To maintain this balance, we rely on established international standards. The data shows exactly where the line must be drawn to protect public health:

• Mandated Safety Alerts: UN Regulation 138 mandates an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) that requires a minimal safety humming sound between 47 and 56 decibels when driving under 30 km/h.

• The Safety Ceiling: To prevent these safety alerts from becoming an environmental hazard, they are strictly capped at a maximum of 75 decibels.

• The Environmental Standard: The international "Phase 3" environmental limit for standard passenger vehicles is set at just 68 decibels.

We are fighting to ensure that all non-safety EV sounds stay firmly under this scientifically established 68 decibel ceiling.

The public has a right to a calm environment that requires us to hold manufacturers to these objective limits. We encourage you to tell a friend about No More Noise Toronto so we can continue spreading the word about the importance of healthy, data-driven sound limits in our cities.