Loud is the New Slow – Looking Ahead

[JeffR]

There's a perspective that loud is the new slow; a reference to how production EVs can be so much faster than loud souped-up ICE cars. To that point, I think most would agree it's pretty striking to see four-door sedans like the Tesla Model S Plaid (around $140k US) and Lucid Air Sapphire (around $250k) keeping pace with or beating a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport (limited production supercar at around $4m). Indeed, any of Tesla's models (S3XY), especially the performance editions, are among the fastest and quietest accelerating cars on the road.
So, if loud is the new slow, and quiet is the new fast, will we eventually limit how fast EVs can accelerate? With over-the-air (OTA) update capability, should age or driving record be a factor? How about geofencing based upon location or road type? Should we simply let experience dictate future control?
Any futurists out there … want to chime in?

 

[MichaelMuni]

I guess I'm not the only one that hears a loud car drive by and says look at that slow car making so much noise and polluting.

 

[ArchHamster]

That's something which has been on my mind since first setting foot in my tesla. While speed sign readings has become worse in fsd beta, with normal fsd reading speed signs was like 90 percent accurate. It feels like with minimal additional support from government we could have all new cars require the ability to read sign speed limits and limit the top speed of cars.

I really don't see how this isn't coming. Like, sure car manufacturers may fight it but I mean is top speed even a stat normal people consider for the majority of new car purchases? Pretty much everything can go over 100 mph and that's all you need unless you are in the minority that tracks.

Acceleration seems like it would be the next step after limiting top speed.

Edit: Totally agree on silent being the new cool. Even as a tesla owner, when I see other evs and teslas on the interstate accelerate effortlessly from 70 to 90 mph, it feels way cooler and more intimidating than a gas engine screaming for attention.

 

[JeffR]

I guess I'm not the only one that hears a loud car drive by and says look at that slow car making so much noise and polluting.

Agree. I sometimes think about their desire for attention, but subtly think their noise seems a bit dated considering today's technology.

 

[JeffR]

That's something which has been on my mind since first setting foot in my tesla. While speed sign readings has become worse in fsd beta, with normal fsd reading speed signs was like 90 percent accurate. It feels like with minimal additional support from government we could have all new cars require the ability to read sign speed limits and limit the top speed of cars.

I really don't see how this isn't coming. Like, sure car manufacturers may fight it but I mean is top speed even a stat normal people consider for the majority of new car purchases? Pretty much everything can go over 100 mph and that's all you need unless you are in the minority that tracks.

Acceleration seems like it would be the next step after limiting top speed.

Edit: Totally agree on silent being the new cool. Even as a tesla owner, when I see other evs and teslas on the interstate accelerate effortlessly from 70 to 90 mph, it feels way cooler and more intimidating than a gas engine screaming for attention.

You make some good points. The "screaming for attention" comment has crossed my mind. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time.

 

[MichaelMuni]

You make some good points. The "screaming for attention" comment has crossed my mind. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time.

They still scream for attention when they switch over to electric cars...

 

[SDRick]

Who wants to drive a loud car bringing attention to themselves saying look at me, look at me, I’m driving old and slow technology?
Exhaust noise is going out of favor.

 

[JeffR]

They still scream for attention when they switch over to electric cars...

Interesting novelty. We are still in the early stages of EV adoption and it will be hard for some to move on from the nostalgia of ICE sounds.

 

[JeffR]

Who wants to drive a loud car bringing attention to themselves saying look at me, look at me, I’m driving old and slow technology?
Exhaust noise is going out of favor.

The quiet part will undoubtedly be appreciated by those living near busy roads.

 

[ThomasD]

The Plaid Model S is very fast

 

[Yelobird]

The quiet part will undoubtedly be appreciated by those living near busy roads.

Almost as much as the lack of exhaust fumes.

 

[Supcom]

I wish the kid next door would buy a Tesla!

 

[ElectricIAC]

The Mrs and I were commenting about this the other day while driving the X5 45e.

A 370z with an almost certainly modified exhaust was beside us, making a bunch of racket as the light turned green and we all set off.

All that show and relatively little go to show for it. Sad.

 

[JeffR]

Almost as much as the lack of exhaust fumes.

So true. We all love clean air.

 

[JeffR]

The Plaid Model S is very fast

It's always fun to watch the amazing power and torque of electric cars.

 

[JeffR]

I wish the kid next door would buy a Tesla!

Good one! I've experienced a few noisy neighborhood vehicles in the past. Fortunately, quieter times are ahead.

 

[JeffR]

The Mrs and I were commenting about this the other day while driving the X5 45e.

A 370z with an almost certainly modified exhaust was beside us, making a bunch of racket as the light turned green and we all set off.

All that show and relatively little go to show for it. Sad.

Maybe we'll eventually see those noisy ICE cars being a little more conservative when sitting at a light beside an EV.