The end of the quiet hybrid car?

[kenny]

Some hybrid cars, like the Prius, can move up to 30 MPH or so without the gas engine.
This makes them dangerous to nearby pedestrians (like in parking lots) who don't hear the car coming.

Toyota will soon address that problem installing a thingie that intentionally makes noise.

I have mixed feelings on this.
I have a hybrid and I really really really love the quiet when the engine stops at red lights.
Granted I have a Honda hybrid which, unlike the Prius, always has the engine running if the car is moving.

Still - intentionally making a car MORE noisy blows my mind.

Wouldn't you love a more-quiet car?

http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/autos/prius_noise_device/index.htm?hpt=C2

 

[Lady_Disdain]

What?! I don't like this at all.

Cities would be much better places to live in without traffic noises (my apartment has a permanent hum from traffic and it is one of the quietest flats I could find). Also, pedestrians shouldn't be relying on noise for their safety (although I am not sure how blind people manage - perhaps that is the reason?).

 

[stone-cold11]

ya, don't like this at all. Relying on your ears for safety is stupid.

 

[elrohwen]

I was in a Prius for the first time this weekend and it was really annoying when people wouldn't move out of our way in a parking lot because they couldn't hear us. At that moment, I wished the engine would make a little noise.

Most of the time though, I really liked the quiet.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I have a Nissan Altima hybrid which is silent below 40mph, I love it! IMHO people should be LOOKING as well as listening when they are walking through parking lots and a quiet car shouldn't be an issue. I have had my car for about a year and haven't had many problems, but I also have no issue giving a little honk to someone who may not be paying attention.

 

[radiantquest]

That is quite a question to pose. I dont drive a hybrid car, but have driven them. The first time it totally freaked me out because I started it and there was no noise. I was literally confused for about 10 seconds until I figured out what is going on. Sure more noise would make them more noticeable to others, but dont we have enough noise pollution especailly in cities.

It also seems odd to put an extra part in a car to make added noise. What kind of noise would it be? I didnt read the article. I rarely do on here because I get the gist of it from other posters. Now, if this "thingy" made a pleasant noise that would be different. OOooh what if you could pick a noise that it would make. Like you would walk into a dealership...

Salesman: "Hello, How can I help you?"
Customer: "Well I am interested in a Prius (or any other hybrid) and I like the color, but I was looking for a whistle hybrid noise instead of the meow hybrid noise"

Hahahahaha.

I mean if we are adding noise lets add noises we like to hear.

 

[loriken214]

I drive a Camry Hybrid and love it.....the quiet is nice, but sometimes I get ignored at drive thrus cause they can't hear my car...that's what I've been told.

Purposely adding noise to a car would turn me off and I wouldn't buy one. Drivers should PAY ATTENTION with their EYES.

Lori

 

[Lady_Disdain]

That is quite a question to pose. I dont drive a hybrid car, but have driven them. The first time it totally freaked me out because I started it and there was no noise. I was literally confused for about 10 seconds until I figured out what is going on. Sure more noise would make them more noticeable to others, but dont we have enough noise pollution especailly in cities.

It also seems odd to put an extra part in a car to make added noise. What kind of noise would it be? I didnt read the article. I rarely do on here because I get the gist of it from other posters. Now, if this "thingy" made a pleasant noise that would be different. OOooh what if you could pick a noise that it would make. Like you would walk into a dealership...

Salesman: "Hello, How can I help you?"
Customer: "Well I am interested in a Prius (or any other hybrid) and I like the color, but I was looking for a whistle hybrid noise instead of the meow hybrid noise"

Hahahahaha.

I mean if we are adding noise lets add noises we like to hear.

I understand it is just a hum, like a normal engine.

Perhaps we could choose a favourite song? Oh, sorry people already do that with their oversized amplifiers and too loud stereo. Very generous of them to share their music that way

 

[asscherisme]

That would annoy me too. Reminds me of digital cameras that make a click noise like film camera to simulate the sound of the lense.

 

[kenny]

I want a noise maker for my hybrid that sounds like a big fat Harley chopper!

 

[JSM]

Other topics in this forum have brought up persons in a protected status, which got me thinking... are cars that are too quiet dangerous for the blind?

 

[kenny]

Other topics in this forum have brought up persons in a protected status, which got me thinking... are cars that are too quiet dangerous for the blind?

Yes.
I suspect Toyota may be offering this new device to prevent class-action legal action.

 

[zoebartlett]

My husband has a Prius and the first time I drove it, I noticed how quiet it got when I stopped at lights and stop signs. I hadn't really noticed it as a passenger. I love how quiet it is.

Off topic, but my only gripe about hybrids is their price. I wish the prices would come down. I would consider getting one in the future but not if they're still priced this high.

 

[kenny]

The new Honda Insight Hybrid is a few thou cheaper.