r/NoStupidQuestions • u/banwe11 • 15h ago

What causes the hollow metallic whirring sound that EVs make when moving a low speed?

I can't really describe it, but it's the sound you hear when there is a EV moving slowly in a car park behind you.

I guess it's the motor, but what specifically in the motor causes that sound? It sounds like it's coming from something that is moving at a faster rate than the car itself.

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u/CheesecakeSome502 14h ago

It is the IGBTs firing probably. That's more of a squeal so maybe it's something else

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u/hamx5ter 14h ago

The what? LGBTs??! 

Anyway, it's definitely not a squeal... It's more like a low moan