Speakers That Boost EV Range? Sounds Impossible, But It's True – International Edition (English)
The speakers can apparently boost EV range and provide “personal bubbles” for each passenger with “virtual headphones.”
- A British audio speaker company claims its in-vehicle sound technology can boost range for electric vehicles with lighter weight and less energy consumption.
- Apparently, "electrostatic speakers" can generate "personal bubbles" within the cabin, reducing noise interference.
- Reports indicate that they might be introduced in an electric vehicle model later this year, with speculation suggesting it could be the fully electric Range Rover.
Car manufacturers worldwide continuously seek methods to boost the driving range of electric vehicles. Established approaches include using dense batteries, energy-efficient engines, and streamlined body designs. Nonetheless, an innovative British firm asserts it possesses a fresh, unconventional approach that could extend the distance your EV can travel.
Uh, that solution would be energy-efficient speakers.
British firm Warwick Acoustics claims that its sound technology can enhance the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 20 miles more than conventional audio systems. This extended range is due to the use of lightweight "electrostatic speakers," The Independent first reported on Thursday. It has installed these speakers in a prototype Polestar 2 , claiming to offer 90% weight savings, 90% less energy consumption and 100% recyclability. That would of course be subject to variables like battery size and vehicle weight.
Electrostatic speakers
It is said that the speakers are extremely slim, making their packaging straightforward and efficient. According to the company, these speakers are set to appear in a production car later this year. Rumors suggest they might feature in the upcoming fully electric Range Rover as reported by the media outlet.
Warwick Acoustics explains in a blog Electrostatic speakers produce sound through a very thin, electrically charged membrane positioned between two metallic plates. Once an audio signal is introduced, it generates an electrostatic field which causes the diaphragm to move, thereby generating sound waves. In theory, this method promises superior clarity along with reduced distortion levels.
In contrast, conventional speakers employ coils and magnetic fields to produce sound. The company claims these components possess excessive weight and numerous movable elements, leading to distortions.
According to the company, when placed inside a headrest, conventional speakers face constraints with frequency ranges and coverage areas. "An electrostatic speaker allows for shaping the diaphragm across the whole headrest," enabling each occupant to experience "a precisely calibrated sound field without experiencing abrupt drops in volume as their head moves around."
This could assist in establishing "individual zones" for each occupant without causing "audio interference." Thus, when the driver needs to take a call, rear passengers can keep listening to their music undisturbed. Presumably, this means that everyone inside can enjoy personalized audio content or volume settings according to their preference without conflict.
Auto manufacturers have concentrated intensely on enhancing electric vehicles' efficiency through the elimination of non-essential components, minimizing part count, employing massive castings for significant sections of the chassis, and adopting a simplified production process akin to what Tesla has implemented. These efforts aim at boosting both range and performance. Additionally, innovative approaches from component makers are emerging. However, you can be confident that beloved audio systems will remain an integral feature in these cars.
In spite of this, should the electrostatic speakers indeed be incorporated into the electric Range Rover as has been suggested, we will definitely test them out to determine whether they can compete with top-tier audio systems such as those from Meridian, Burmester, Bose, and others.
Got a tip? Reach out to the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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