How electric vehicles help with noise pollution

EVs have many benefits, from being cheaper to run and maintain, to being more environmentally friendly. But one of the most underrated benefits of EVs is that they can help reduce noise pollution. Let's take a look at what noise pollution is, its effects and how we can reduce noise pollution with electric cars.

Noise pollution is a type of environmental pollution that refers to unwanted or excessive sound and disturbs our ecosystem. The most common sources of noise pollution are:

• Transportation: noise emitted by cars, buses, trains, planes and other vehicles.
• Construction: noise from construction equipment and activities.
• Industrial: noise from factories, power plants and other industrial facilities.
• Home appliances: noise from dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, etc.
• Large events: noise from concerts, sporting events, and other large gatherings.

While we may be used to the sounds of our everyday lives, noise pollution can have serious effects on our health. In fact, the National Geographic Society depicts noise pollution as "an invisible danger", as it can have negative effects on both our physical and mental health. It also affects the environment we live in, including our wildlife.

Noise pollution can have many negative effects on both humans and animals. For humans, noise pollution can lead to:

• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): being exposed to loud noise over time can damage the delicate structures in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
• Tinnitus: exposure to loud noise can also cause a condition called tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in the ears. This can be a temporary or permanent condition.
• Anxiety and depression: noise pollution has been linked to anxiety and depression, as it can be a source of stress. According to this study, people who live close to roads are 25% to 30% more likely to experience depression.
• Migraines and headaches: noise pollution can also trigger migraines and headaches. There have been several studies that confirmed noise pollution's ability to trigger attacks.
• Problems sleeping: noise pollution can also disrupt sleep, as it can interfere with the body's natural sleep cycles. In one study, it was found that people who were exposed to traffic noise at night had a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep.
• Other health problems: Various studies have found that noise pollution can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. These are serious health problems that can have long-term effects.

Noise pollution also affects our children. Children exposed to noise pollution have been found to experience negative side effects such as stress, impaired memory recall, lower levels of reading skills and a shorter attention span. This is because noise pollution can interfere with a child's ability to focus and learn.

Humans aren’t the only creatures that suffer because of noise pollution. It can disrupt animals' mating and feeding habits and, in some cases, it can even cause them to abandon their homes. This can lead to a decrease in population numbers, as well as a decrease in biodiversity.

In addition to its direct effects, noise pollution can also contribute to other forms of pollution, such as light and air pollution. By reducing the quality of the environment, noise pollution ultimately decreases the quality of life for both humans and animals.

So, if you want to play your part in saving our environment and restoring some peace and quiet, it's time to lease an electric car. Making the switch isn't as daunting as it may seem and there are many benefits to be had.

The only noise EVs typically make is from their tyres or the wind at high speeds. Because of this, people have to be more mindful when it comes to road safety. With lower car noise levels, pedestrians need to listen more carefully and properly look around for cars before crossing streets.

To keep pedestrians safe, legislation requires EVs to emit a sound with a minimum frequency of 56 Decibels — which is as loud as an electric toothbrush. The car's sound should also mimic its behaviours. For example, the pitch should increase when the car speeds up.

While adding noise to EVs may seem counterproductive to reducing noise pollution, the amount of noise they give off is still much lower than traditional petrol or diesel cars. So, EVs are a great starting point to prevent noise pollution levels.

Absolutely. Despite the fact that EVs are required to make some noise, they are still much quieter than traditional petrol or diesel cars. As EVs become more popular, there will be fewer petrol and diesel cars on the road, which will reduce noise even further.

By switching to an electric vehicle, you can help reduce noise pollution and its negative effects on both humans and animals. EVs are not only better for the environment, but they can also help create a quieter and more peaceful world.

All in all, electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than fuel-powered cars and they also produce less noise. This makes them a great choice for people who enjoy a quiet ride and want to do their part to reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions. EVs are becoming more affordable as technology improves and battery prices decrease. So if you're interested in doing your part to reduce noise pollution and save money in the long run, switch to an EV today.

Not sure how to get started? Electric car leasing is a great option for people who want to make the switch to an EV without the upfront cost of buying one outright. Plus, with Octopus Electric Vehicles, you'll get a free home charger installed with your lease and 4,000 free miles to get you on the road. Simply head over to our electric car leasing page to learn more about leasing an electric car.