Psychoacoustic Modelling of AVAS Sounds: Consumer-Centric Semantic Attribute Development for Electric Vehicles

Kullukcu, Berkay; Engel, Margret Sibylle; Atamer, Serkan; Altinsoy, M. Ercan · 2025 · Crossref

DOI: 10.61782/fa.2025.0714

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Summary

This study addresses the challenge of designing Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) for electric vehicles (EVs) that balance regulatory safety requirements with consumer preferences. While AVAS are mandated to ensure pedestrian safety at low speeds, existing design frameworks often rely on technical metrics that fail to capture subjective user experience. The authors aim to bridge this gap by developing consumer-centric semantic attributes for AVAS sounds, integrating psychoacoustic modeling with preference analysis across diverse consumer segments. The methodology involved recording driving-by sounds from five EV models (including Cupra Born, BYD Atto 3, and Scania 25P) in a low-noise environment, compliant with UNECE R138 standards. An online survey was conducted with 29 participants who had prior exposure to EVs. Participants rated the sounds using 25 semantic scales (e.g., "futuristic," "annoying," "quiet") and provided demographic and psychographic data. The researchers categorized participants into consumer segments—Early Adopters (EA), Mainstream Consumers (MC), and a Hybrid group—using a scoring system based on adoption behaviors, risk tolerance, and information sources. K-means clustering validated these segments, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify key semantic dimensions. Psychoacoustic parameters, including tonality and fluctuation strength, were calculated and correlated with subjective ratings. The results identified three distinct consumer clusters: Early Adopters (29%), Mainstream Consumers (41%), and Hybrid/Undecided (30%). Early Adopters, who prioritize technological novelty and environmental impact, strongly preferred high-tonality sounds in mid-high Bark bands (8.5–12.5), associating them with "futuristic" and "high-tech" attributes. They rated these sounds as less annoying despite their artificiality. In contrast, Mainstream Consumers, who emphasize cost sensitivity and reliability, preferred quieter, unobtrusive sounds. They favored sounds with reduced fluctuation strength in mid-low Bark bands (2.5–6.5), associating them with "calmness" and "familiarity." Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in preferences between groups, particularly regarding tonality and annoyance ratings. The study concludes that AVAS design must account for distinct consumer psychographics rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. The findings provide actionable guidelines: designers targeting Early Adopters should optimize tonality above 8.5 Bark to enhance perceptions of innovation, while designs for Mainstream Consumers should minimize fluctuation strength below 6.5 Bark to ensure quietness and reduce annoyance. This work demonstrates that integrating psychoacoustic modeling with semantic attribute development allows for the creation of AVAS sounds that are both safe and aligned with specific user expectations, contributing to more harmonious urban soundscapes.

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• auditory warnings