Contribution
Current Trends and Challenges in Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS): A Holistic Approach to Future Solutions
* Presenting author
Abstract:
As electric mobility diversifies, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) play a vital role in enhancing safety across a wide range of transportation vehicles, from E-Scooters and passenger vehicles to high-performance cars and even air taxis. Given the near-silent nature of electric engines, AVAS are essential for alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to approaching vehicles, thus reducing accident risks. Yet, AVAS must address more than simple alerting functions; AVAS also shape the auditory experience of electric vehicles, impacting perceptions of sound quality and the emotional response to the vehicle’s brand. For high-performance EVs in particular, AVAS design becomes a unique challenge as these sounds must communicate both power and sophistication, balancing technical sound quality with the brand’s auditory identity. As air taxis enter urban airspaces in the near future, active sound design (ASD) systems similar to AVAS will be adapted to support vertical mobility. This paper provides a holistic analysis of AVAS trends, challenges, and opportunities across mobility segments, exploring how these systems can enhance safety, elevate user experience, and comply with regulatory standards. Finally, potential hardware and software solutions will be discussed to optimize AVAS functionality in terms of safety and acoustic excellence for each vehicle type.