ECTUNES now launches a dedicated artificial engine sound system for electric motorcycles. The system originates from the exterior sound system that ECTUNES has developed for automotive. The ECTUNES artificial engine sound system for electric motorcycles is the first to be introduced to the market.

There are numerous benefits related to electric driving. An electric car or a motorcycle has much less impact on the environment and it doesn’t make any noise. According to users, it’s a great experience to drive an electric motorcycle, but you might miss the sound of an engine.

Therefore ECTUNES now introduces an artificial engine sound system for electric that emits artificial engines sounds. Adding an artificial engine sound to the motorcycle increases the driving experience.

Audio branding is also an important feature of adding artificial engine sound, and with the ECTUNES system it is possible to design sounds very close to the original sound of a motorcycle.

The right sound for electric motorcycles

The sound system from ECTUNES is developed exactly for the purpose of driving a motorcycle.  The first prototype has been tested on a high performance electric motorcycle from Zero Motorcycles. The motorcycle Zero S was chosen, because it represents the highest standard and innovation in the MC evolution.

Also, ECTUNES is running a research project ‘Safe’n’ Sound II’ in collaboration with the Danish etrans-project. The aim is to identify the “right” sound for electric busses and motor cycles and to design the best possible sound that live up to the upcoming legislation for external warnings sound for electric and hybrid vehicles. The sound-designs are based on the design guidelines from the ‘White paper on external warning sounds for electric cars – Recommendations and guidelindes” and they are tested on suitability, audibility and annoyance.

A report with the test results will be released in January but overall it is to be said that one of the tests shows that the users prefer light ’green’ sounds symbolizing a new world of products. Most of the users think that sounds of intense acceleration are just irritating.  The other test shows that users prefer sounds close to something recognizable.

Commercial products ready in Q1 2012

Commercial products from ECTunes will be available by Q1 2012. The system includes an all-in-one box loudspeaker and its associated electronics mounted in the front of the motorbike – under the headlights. The system connects to the ignition on/off and speed information from the motorcycle and replays artificial engine sounds depending on the speed and acceleration. The loudspeaker and the electronics are especially made to cope with all kinds of weather-conditions such as rain, dust etc.

In the US they are about to introduce legislation, so that electric and hybrid vehicles in the future must be equipped with artificial engine sounds. Also, in the US they are considering whether artificial engine sound should be installed to motorbikes and scooters as well.

Look more about ECTunes and the sounds for electric motor cycles and busses at Youtube: www.youtube.com/ECTunesTV

For further information:

Please contact ECTUNES ApS: Thomas Gadegaard, Sales and Marketing Director, +45 21218662, mail: tga@ectunes.com.