The sound of e-mobility: ID.3 attracts attention with its own driving sound

• The sound design for the ID.3 was developed as part of a cooperation between Volkswagen Design and composer Leslie Mandoki.
• In future ID. models will be equipped with a sound generator active at speeds up to 30 km/h.
• Volkswagen is showcasing the driving sound of the ID.3⁰¹ for the very first time – at DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin.

As electric vehicles are almost silent at low speeds, the accident risk for pedestrians and cyclists particularly increases in inner-city traffic.For this reason, ID. family models will, in the future, use an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to generate an artificial driving sound – when moving off; at speeds up to 30 km/h; and when reversing.

The AVAS in the ID.3 is audible on the inside and outside of the vehicle up to 30 km/h. Inside the vehicle, different stages of the driving sound are always audible based on speed and accelerator pedal position. Beyond this speed, the vehicle’s rolling resistance and driving noise become more prominent.

The soundtrack of a new mobility

The Volkswagen brand’s new driving sound was developed as part of a collaboration with the composer and music producer Leslie Mandoki. The multi-layered audio tracks express the speed and dynamism of e-mobility. “An electric vehicle’s sound defines its identity. The sound should be confident and likeable. It may well sound futuristic and must also impress with its unique character”, Dr. Frank Welsch explains as the Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

In addition to the safety aspect at low speeds, the sound of an electric vehicle is particularly vital. “Thanks to their sound, electric vehicles are given their own voice that we can design ourselves regardless of mechanical sounds”, Klaus Bischoff explains as the Head of Design Volkswagen Brand. “The ID.3 radiates safety and the promise of effortless mobility: It will take us everywhere.”