Leo Murray

In science fiction cinema, futuristic vehicles have often been accompanied by futuristic sound design. Now that some of that futuristic travel is becoming reality, how much of the sound from cinema has made its way into the thinking for actual vehicles?

Since electric vehicles became viable as a practical alternative to ICE vehicles sound has been a challenge. Making little inherent sound of their own, other than rolling tyre noise, the external and internal sound of a vehicle is an interesting sound design case study. Once regulatory requirements relating to safety have been taken into account there is a good deal of leeway in how an EV sounds to the occupants and to pedestrians outside the vehicle.

The sound of electric vehicles is increasingly important as a selling point, as well as fulfilling practical functions such as safety and driver feedback. But the emotional connection to a vehicle – the thing that makes people want to drive, or own, such a vehicle – can be influenced by sound design. Film sound design is often about creating an emotional connection, so it is perhaps not surprising that automotive sound designers look to cinema as a source of inspiration. This paper examines the influence of cinematic sound design on vehicle sound design.