Quiet driving, happy driving: the profound impact of electric car on driving well-being

For decades, the driving experience has been inextricably linked to a symphony of mechanical sounds: the roar of the engine at startup, the hum at cruising speed, the vibrations that travel through the cabin. The advent of the electric car does not merely change the type of power supply; it completely resets this sensory paradigm.

The most immediately noticeable feature of an electric vehicle is its profound quietness, an absence of noise that transforms the experience behind the wheel into a journey of comfort, efficiency, and unexpected well-being. This is not a mere detail, but a radical change that redefines the relationship between driver, vehicle, and environment.

Beyond just the absence of noise: the in-depth benefits

The benefits of driving without the constant background of a combustion engine are numerous and extend far beyond acoustic comfort.

• Reduced cognitive load and stress: the low-frequency noise and constant vibration of a conventional engine impose a background "cognitive load" on our brains. We are forced to continuously filter out these stimuli. In an electric car, the quiet environment frees up mental resources. The result is a dramatic reduction in stress and an increase in the ability to concentrate, making driving less tiring both mentally and physically, especially in city traffic or on long journeys.
• A smooth and harmonious travel experience: the absence of a gearbox with multiple gears is another key element. When the accelerator is pressed, an electric car responds with an immediate, linear and perfectly smooth thrust. There are no jerks, hesitations or torque breaks typical of gear shifting. This feeling of pure control and almost organic motion connects the driver to the road in a new, less aggressive and more harmonious way.
• Reconnecting with your surroundings: the silence on board sharpens your senses. You begin to perceive sounds normally masked by the engine: the rustle of wind on the bodywork, the rolling of tires on asphalt, birdsong during a stop in the countryside, even the patter of rain on the windshield. This heightened awareness of the external environment not only makes the journey more immersive, but it can also contribute to greater safety by making it easier to warn of acoustic danger signals.
• Overall well-being: personal and collective: driving a zero direct emission car generates a sense of satisfaction and responsibility. Knowing that you are contributing to cleaner air and reduced urban noise pollution adds an ethical dimension to personal well-being. The car is no longer just a means of transportation, but an agent of positive change for the community.

Guaranteed safety: what is AVAS?

An early concern about the quietness of electric cars was the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, who are used to "hearing" the approach of a vehicle. For this reason, the law made the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandatory for all newly approved electric and hybrid vehicles.

This system emits an artificial sound, specially designed to be recognizable but not annoying, when the vehicle is moving at low speeds (generally under 20-30 km/h) and in reverse. In this way, safety is fully guaranteed in the most risky contexts, such as parking lots, residential areas, and crosswalks.

In conclusion, driving an electric car is a transformative experience. Silence is not just an absence of noise, but the space where efficiency, control, well-being, and sustainability meet. It is the foundation on which a more conscious, enjoyable driving experience is built and projected toward a cleaner, more serene future. Silent driving is not only the key to happy driving, but to a new concept of mobility.

Ready to discover a new dimension of peace and well-being behind the wheel? Start your journey to quieter, more sustainable mobility and discover the Powy charging network!

FAQ: What is the sound of electric cars?

Electric cars, being very quiet, pose a potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. For this reason, they are equipped with a system called AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) that emits an artificial sound. This sound is required by law and is activated at low speeds, usually up to 20 km/h, to alert those in the vicinity. The volume is designed to be audible from the outside, but is not intrusive to those inside the vehicle. Precisely because of its safety function, the AVAS sound cannot be turned off by the driver.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy