Tesla has produced a new guide to familiarize you with the sounds its electric cars make. Even though electric vehicles are quieter than gas-powered vehicles, that doesn’t mean they’re quiet.
Electric cars not only reduce pollution from harmful tailpipe emissions, they also reduce noise pollution.
It’s an often underestimated benefit, but a reduction in noise pollution has been linked to a reduction in stress, which is a silent killer in our society.
Studies have even directly linked electric cars and reduced stress due to noise reduction.
However, for some, the absence or reduction of noise in electric vehicles is a disadvantage. Many gearheads like the sound of motors and feel that the lack of noise in an electric car is a drawback to the driving experience.
Although electric vehicles make less noise than gas-powered vehicles, especially when accelerating, they still make noise, and all electric motors make different noises.
Interestingly, Tesla has decided to help its owners get to grips with the sounds their electric vehicles make by putting together a “Normal Operating Sounds” guide.
Electrek found the guide posted on Tesla’s support website last week:
Although your Model 3 is incredibly quiet, it’s not completely silent. Some sounds are made by your vehicle as part of its normal day-to-day operation and are not of concern. Below is a list of possible normal operating sounds your vehicle could make depending on where the sound is coming from:
In the guide, Tesla includes sounds it considers normal inside its vehicles, like this “Buzzing, whirring or hissing noise” driving:
The automaker kicked off the guide with a quick disclaimer:
This is a general guide to help you understand common sounds you may hear from your vehicle during normal operation. It is not a diagnosis of your vehicle and does not represent a complete list of normal sounds you may hear. If you would like to schedule a Tesla Service appointment for any reason, contact your local service center.
Here are some of the other “sounds of a Tesla”:
Noise/sensation of vibration in the steering wheel
This sound is specifically caused by steering wheel vibration due to lane departure warning alerts.
Hum or whine when driving at low speed (if equipped with pedestrian warning system)
It’s just the pedestrian warning sound that Tesla is forced to add as part of “quiet vehicle” regulations.
Noise in the driver’s floor when the brake is applied
This sound is linked to the “Hold” function which can be activated after a stop.
Tesla has also included sounds you can hear when the vehicle is parked.
Click, rattle, or thump coming from vehicle floor
This sound has an interesting origin. Tesla writes in the guide:
When parked, Model 3 opens the HV battery contactors to help conserve energy. This sound occurs when you start the vehicle after it has been parked and means the high voltage contactors are closing the circuit between your vehicle and the battery.
Squealing or starting tires or brakes
As the name of the sound suggests, it’s as easy as releasing the brakes.
Popping, rattling, popping, or thumping sound while boosting
This sound during boosting can apparently be explained by the metal components of your vehicle’s battery naturally expanding or contracting to accommodate changes in ambient temperature.
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