Electric vehicle silence may help improve heart health and noise pollution
Bangkok, Thailand (April 11, 2019) – With traffic noise now ranking second among the most impactful environmental threats to public health, 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 attacks. Noise levels across Asia and Oceania’s major cities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Melbourne, Singapore and Seoul average at 76dB — almost four times louder than the recommended noise levels by WHO. 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). Conversely, decreased levels of noise pollution can brings auxiliary advantages such as fewer road rage instances, increased cognitive performance and productivity.
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 interaction.
“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.”
Watch the Nissan Noise Pollution Experiment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUIFqeCyUoI
About Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Nissan was established in Japan since 1933 with the commitment to create Innovation that Excites for customer satisfaction. Nissan wants to improve quality of life for people in society by pursuing a goal of zero emission vehicles and zero fatalities on the road with “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”. The company plans to introduce autonomous drive vehicles across regions for safety and more enjoyable driving experience. Nissan started business in Thailand since 1952. Currently, the Nissan Group of Companies in Thailand has subsidiaries five companies, including two of the production bases, over than 180 showrooms and service centers nationwide network. Vehicle range cover all segments includes 10 models spanning the entry level Eco-Car, SUV, Premium Sedans and Pickup Trucks.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance sold 10.76 million vehicles combined in calendar year 2018.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit
nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.