The sound of an electrical vehicle - its contribution to a new urban soundscape

The sound of an electric vehicle will be an agent in modern cities that underlie the concept of new urbanism and smart growth with regard to soundscapes. Soundscape analysis and application is a proven method of providing an improved acoustical environment for urban dwellers, thus addressing a significant portion of the smart growth agenda. Moreover, it covers the collaboration between stakeholders and communities concerning further development in the choice of varied transportation. Most relevant will be here the intervention through electrical vehicles and the choice of its acoustical fingerprint. Results from a study investigating the assessment processes in electric vehicles with respect to acceptance of synthetic sounds will be presented and discussed with respect to the key feature of livability in an acoustical environment.