AVAS Enhances Safety While Building Brand Reputation for EV OEMs

One significant advantage of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery-powered electric vehicles is their ability to reduce the pollution brought on by hazardous gaseous emissions (BEVs). They also considerably lessen noise pollution, which is another benefit. Compared to an internal combustion engine(ICE), an electric generator is simply much quieter.

Even though seemingly a positive development, quiet operation has an unfortunate and unintended side effect. It is more challenging for cyclists and pedestrians to detect EVs approaching at lower noise levels (Figure 1). People who are blind or visually impaired may be at even greater risk from these "silent vehicles," particularly when they are being driven slowly, as in parking lots.

Figure 1. EVs are quieter but this makes them dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists.

Data Reveals More Accidents

Research has contrasted the number of accidents for ICE-powered vehicles to the accident statistics for electric and hybrid vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that HEVs have a higher incidence of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes than ICE vehicles in specific vehicle maneuvers at low speeds in their study on the incidence of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes by hybrid electric passenger vehicles.  Furthermore, according to a report by the UK Transport Research Laboratory, EVs and HEVs strike pedestrians proportionally more often than ICE cars.  EVs are more likely to be engaged in collisions with pedestrians and cyclists than other vehicles by 37% and 56%, respectively.

Regulations Covering Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems (AVAS)

Regulations have been put in place to avoid dangerous situations involving silent HEV and BEV vehicles and the resulting harm to this relatively new technology's image.This legislation makes it mandatory for EV vehicles to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) that complies with noise emission standards (EU: UN ECE Regulation 138, USA: FMVSS No. 141, China: GB/T 37153).

The foundation of earlier iterations of AVAS devices was a non-adaptive piezoelectric technology with poor sound quality and limited customization. For manufacturers, this unimaginative strategy signifies a missed opportunity. For manufacturers, this unimaginative strategy signifies a missed opportunity. People's feelings are touched by audio as a medium. OEMs have a fantastic chance with AVAS to improve the perception of EVs, broaden the acceptance of e-mobility, and raise consumer awareness of their own brands. For instance, manufacturers could develop their own instantly recognizable signature audio profile that not only warns cyclists and pedestrians of an oncoming vehicle but can also let them know the make and type of the vehicle.The unmistakeable jingles of companies like Intel and McDonald's clearly demonstrate the power of audio in building brand recognition.

Collaborating With Partners to Develop Broad-Based Solutions

IHS Markit claims that 2027 will mark the turning point in the acceptance of EVs. Manufacturers must now start creating adaptable, adjustable AVAS systems that might even be incorporated into the upcoming infotainment systems. In order to achieve this, Microchip are collaborating with established audio system producers as well as recent market newcomers to offer comprehensive solutions that support the creation of next-generation AVAS.    Due to our expertise in car infotainment networking, we can provide both internal and exterior sound systems that are uniquely integrated. Our extensive 32-bit MCU portfolio, which concentrates on audio and networking, enables Tier 1 companies to create specialized and adaptable solutions that address the changing AVAS requirements, such as integration, safety, and security. From entry-level options that satisfy legal requirements to higher-performance options that allow the most adaptable, brand- and image-building sound systems, our MCU and MPU portfolio offers graduated levels of performance that support scalable solutions.

Comprehensive System Solutions

In order to guarantee the availability of a full ecosystem of industry-standard software, Microchip also collaborates with outside parties.  To demonstrate how microchip's wide system solutions can help to decrease risk, time to market, and development costs, we have created an AUTOSAR-based demonstration system (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Comprehensive Solution for AVAS 

Vehicles currently on the road that are in production already use Microchip's AVAS systems.  By assisting EV OEMs in creating AVAS systems that not only improve the safety of their vehicles but also make them quickly and readily identifiable to pedestrians and cyclists equally, we all hope to be at the forefront of future developments in this developing technology.

News and all pictures from Microchip---Johann Stelzer