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One of the other reasons that the engine in the Volt will get better MPG is that, unlike a regular ICE vehicle, it can be optimized to one RPM- then, because you do not lose much in the transfer of the created power to the electric motor, you get better gas mileage- and yes, you do have to wonder why car companies have not done this sooner.
And the PANDA folks- you’ve got to be kidding- a “chanting male choir” echoing from your car? I can see the next visually-impaired accident- “I don’t know officer- I heard singing, and thought my time was up, so I stepped off the curb to greet them…”
And as for that sound test with the Honda and the Prius- did they do it correctly? Was it a double-blind test?
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They want to make EV and hybrids less competitive by making them to add noise making equipment. I do think this is from the oil industry because why would anyone take up this issue since the data does not show increased deaths due to hybrids. Furthermore, the quieter the better. My aunt drives and she is deaf.
From "Electric and Hybrid Cars: A History"
One Case in Bridgeport Connecticut, in 1901 involved a silent electric vehicle (a Riker surrey) approaching a Doctor's horse drawn carriage from behind. The horse was spooked and the doctor was thrown down and dragged about 50 feet. He sued for $50,000 for the dislocation of one finger and "general nervous shock". Part of the complaint argued that the electric vehicle was to noiseless in its running. The doctor lost the case... The Judge said...the mere fact that an accident happened does not make it the fault of someone else... The highways are for us all, all can use them, with reasonable regard, to be sure, for others that use them.