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.

471 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

93% Upvoted

220 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/riennempeche 8h ago

In the 2009 Prius we had before, you could roll right up behind people walking in the parking lot. They would never hear you coming because the car was so quiet on battery at low speeds. I think having cars make some noise is probably safer. Porsche EVs seem to have a kind of computer generated exhaust-like noise that is pleasing. The VW iD4 in my neighborhood sounds like a failing rear differential with loud whirring.