Electric Vehicle Silence May Help Improve Heart Health and Noise Pollution

With traffic noise now ranking second among the most impactful environmental threats to public health2, Nissan Asia & Oceania has undertaken a sound measurement experiment to raise awareness about how 100% electric vehicles could help address this increasing risk.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), long-term exposure to high environmental noise levels such as traffic, above 53 decibels (dB) can result in adverse health effects such as elevated blood pressure, coronary artery disease, hearing loss and even heart attacks3. Noise levels across Asia and Oceania’s major cities, including Bangkok4, Ho Chi Minh City5, Jakarta6,

Hong Kong7, Manila8, Melbourne9, Singapore10 and Seoul11 average at 76dB — almost four times louder than the recommended noise levels by WHO12. Noise at these levels are scientifically proven to affect the health of a city’s residents over time and are equivalent to the noise from a ringing alarm clock (about 80db)13. Conversely, decreased levels of noise pollution can brings auxiliary advantages such as fewer road rage instances, increased cognitive performance and productivity14.

To creatively educate audiences on this growing health concern, Nissan measured and compared the sound levels of a standard urban street, to that of a street with the sound level of an 100% electric vehicle (EV), using a sound level meter. The results showed noise levels peaking at above 90db on the street, compared to 21db which is the running noise of a Nissan LEAF powertrain, even quieter than a library (around 30db).When contrasted against the average noise of a stationary petrol or diesel engine at around 76db, EVs are shown to present a viable option to help decrease traffic noise pollution. The benefits even at a societal level can include higher property values and increased levels of pedestrian street activity and social interaction15.

View of the Nissan noise pollution social experiment in action – blocking an urban street to measure traffic noise, versus electric vehicles:

“The rate of urbanization in Asia is set to increase, making noise pollution an important issue that we can unite to reduce. As this small test indicates, 100% electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF’s zero emission, quiet engine has the strong potential to positively improve environmental concerns for societies in Asia and Oceania,” said Yutaka Sanada, regional senior vice president for Nissan Asia & Oceania. “As we journey into the future, Nissan will continue to transform the way vehicles are driven, powered, and integrated, aiming to add value to inspire livable and happier cities of the future.”

About Nissan Asia & Oceania

Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. Nissan has been operating in the A&O region for over 60 years, employing more than 11,000 employees across research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. The A&O region itself encompasses 30 markets across both Asia and the Pacific, with the regional headquarters based in Bangkok, Thailand. Nissan has developed long-standing regional partnerships with National Sales Companies like Tan Chong Motor, as well as developing a growing network of more than 750 dealers, to deliver a significant Nissan, Datsun and INFINITI product line-up to A&O customers. Nissan is driven by Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for a better future for customers where cars are their partners, and where driving is safer, smarter and more efficient. For more information, visit https://asia.nissannews.com/en and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nissanAO.