A lexicon to describe specific sounds of the electric car cabin: A verbal approach to comfort improvement

Matthieu, Duroyon; Patrick, Susini; Nicolas, Misdariis; Nicolas, Dauchez; Louis-Ferdinand, Pardo; Eléonore, Vialatte · 2026 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1051/aacus/2026013

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Summary

This study addresses the challenge of defining and improving sonic comfort in electric vehicle (EV) cabins. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, where engine noise provides a familiar masking source and feedback, EVs lack this dominant sound, leading to a "silent" environment that does not necessarily equate to comfort. The absence of a shared vocabulary or "common culture" for describing EV-specific sounds hinders effective communication among designers, engineers, and stakeholders. To resolve this, the authors developed a specialized lexicon to standardize the description of EV cabin sounds, facilitating better sound design and comfort assessment. The methodology employed a verbal approach inspired by soundscape studies. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 automotive acousticians from Renault Group who had significant experience with electric vehicles. The interviews, totaling 15 hours of recorded data, utilized a questionnaire designed to elicit spontaneous sound descriptions across three levels: causal (origin of the sound), reduced (objective acoustic properties), and hedonic (subjective comfort judgments). The transcribed data were analyzed using two complementary methods to identify key terms: a statistical frequency analysis involving text stemming, and a semantic analysis using Leximancer software to assess concept correlations. This dual approach helped filter and rank descriptors while accounting for polysemy and context. The primary result is a validated lexicon comprising 11 specific sound names that characterize the EV cabin environment. Each entry in the lexicon includes a definition structured around the three descriptive levels (causal, reduced, and hedonic) and is supported by audio illustrations to ensure shared understanding. The study highlights the complexity of certain terms, such as "harmonic," which can refer to a tonal component of the electric motor or a musical quality, demonstrating the necessity of precise definitions. The lexicon was validated by the same group of expert acousticians who contributed to its creation, ensuring its relevance and accuracy for professional use. The significance of this work lies in providing a unified communication tool for the automotive industry. By establishing a standardized vocabulary for EV sounds, the lexicon enables more precise identification of sound sources and their integration into the overall sonic environment. This facilitates collaborative sound design efforts aimed at enhancing sonic comfort, moving beyond simple noise reduction to creating coherent and pleasant auditory experiences. The lexicon serves as a foundational resource for manufacturers, designers, and engineers, addressing a critical gap in the transition to electric mobility.

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• music audio mood