With the new UK government’s 10-point green recovery plan, which commits to banning all newly bought petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it is safe to think that the future of motoring is going to be electric. This is all set to create a carbon neutral UK by 2050.
Air pollution is not the only pollution that having electric vehicles (EVs) will change. Noise pollution will also be reduced and the roads around us will be much quieter. Switching from the engine roars of petrol and diesel vehicles to the simple quiet whirl of EVs making a huge difference.
The National Geographic Society refer to noise pollution as ‘an invisible danger’ and can affect a person, animal or other organisms health and wellbeing. Sound is measured in decibels and surrounds us every day. The human ear is extremely fragile and sounds that reach 85 decibels or higher can damage them. However, when you compare certain sounds that might be considered quiet, it is easy to see how the human ear can be easily damaged. For instance, the rustling of leaves is on average between 20-30 decibels, a washing machine 40-80 and a power lawn mower can reach 90 decibels.
Sadly, it is not only humans that noise pollution affects, but it can also impact the health and well-being of wildlife. Studies have found that loud noises can cause caterpillars’ hearts to beat faster. Animals use sounds to hunt, communicate, navigate and mate so noise pollution can make this even more difficult, affecting their ability to survive.
How Much Noise Do Electric Vehicles Make?
The only sound EVs tend to make is noise caused by their tyres or the wind at high speeds. However, it does mean that people will have to be more mindful around road safety. With less noise individuals will need to listen more, trust their ears and pedestrians will need to really look around for cars before crossing the roads. Research has found that individuals were 40% more likely to be run over by an EV than a petrol and diesel vehicle.
Due to this, legislation has been brought in that states EVs should emit a minimum sound frequency of 56 Decibels. This is the equivalent level of an electric toothbrush running. It also states that the sound should emulate the cars behaviours for instance increase in pitch when the car is accelerating.
The Health Benefits Of Reduced Noise Pollution
The most common health problem noise pollution causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). This is permanent and is a result of the sensitive structures within the inner ear being damaged. Several research studies have also found a correlation between noise pollution and increased anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. One study found that people living in areas near a road were 25% more likely to suffer from depression. They concluded this was due to the noises causing the amygdala within the brain to release hormeses and after time it starts to exhaust the body. These health problems can affect anyone at any age but especially children. It has been found that children who live in noisy areas suffer from stress, memory impairments, a low attention span and a lower level of reading skills.
Where To Buy Your Electric Vehicle
With over 20 years of experience, ePowerTrucks specialise nationwide in the sales, repair and service of road legal electric trucks, electric street vacuums, electric pedestrian tow tugs and a wide range of electric multi passenger vehicles. We are experts in providing specialist solutions for any application. Contact us today so we can work with you in providing you a solution for your electric vehicle needs.