The increasing popularity of electric cars in Denmark is changing the soundscape of urban areas and presenting new challenges. Electric cars, while quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts, are required by law to emit artificial engine sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians and cyclists.

A new study from Aalborg University highlights that these artificial sounds, intended for safety, could create a chaotic and unpleasant sound environment in cities. As more electric cars adopt unique and self-selected sounds, the urban soundscape risks becoming a cacophony of noises.

Nicolai Graakjær, professor of music and sound, suggests that the variety of artificial sounds emitted by electric cars can be overwhelming. These sounds, ranging from spaceship-like noises to musical tones, are designed to give each car a unique identity, but the increasing number of these sounds in cities could lead to a less homogeneous and more jarring sound environment than what people are used to.

Sound designers and composers are involved in branding electric cars through sound, which could potentially create a messy and demanding listening experience for city dwellers.