Electric cars are too quiet

On Monday, a new EU regulation came into force which requires all new electric vehicles to feature a warning noise to alert pedestrians and cyclists.

This measure is taken as pedestrians and cyclists often struggle to hear quiet electric and hybrid vehicles coming, and that presents a particular risk for blind and visually impaired people.

According to the new regulation, an electric car's acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) must sound when reversing or travelling below 20 km/h.

EU rule applies in the Faroes too

The new rules only apply to new electric cars. Those already on the market are required to have the new technology installed by 1 July 2021.

Although the Faroes are not a member of the EU, electric cars sold in the Faroes will be fitted with these new devices from now on, since vehicles sold in the Faroes are covered by Danish law unless otherwise specified.

There are currently 177 electric vehicles in the Faroe Islands – 148 passenger cars, 20 mopeds, eight taxis and one motorbike.

Translated by prosa.fo