Acceleration noise from electric cars matters

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to reduce urban noise pollution due to their quieter operation at low speeds. However, research has shown that EVs produce significant additional noise during acceleration, even at low speeds, primarily due to tyre–road interaction under high torque loads. This study investigates the impact of acceleration noise on two key exposure indicators—the equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq) and the number of noise events—using microscopic traffic simulations coupled with noise emission and propagation models. Acceleration noise was modelled using correction terms for both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs, based on recent literature. Simulations were performed on a real-world microscopic traffic model of Tartu (Estonia), and the fraction of EVs in the fleet was varied. Results show that neglecting acceleration noise can lead to underestimating LAeq by up to 4.3 dBA and missing close to half of noise events, particularly in electric fleets. The influence of acceleration noise is more pronounced at louder locations and for high-exceedance noise events. These findings highlight the need to integrate acceleration noise into noise exposure assessments, especially as EV penetration increases in urban traffic.