A cabinet order has required new electric vehicles be equipped with noisemakers, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“The fact some vehicles are quieter may reduce pedestrians’ ability to assess the state of nearby traffic,” said Transport Canada staff in a notice. .The Canadian government issued an executive order saying it amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to address minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. The text of the regulations will be published by late December. .Transport Canada said 22 Canadians were killed and 1,514 others were injured after being run over by an electric vehicle from 2013 to 2017. .The ministry suggested electric cars carry noisemakers or “synthetic sound generators that emulate the sound of typical internal combustion engine vehicles.” The regulation would apply to new electric cars. .Electrics sold in Canada in the past would not have to be modified. Transport Canada said people were 20% more likely to be run over by an electric car than a gas or diesel burner. .About 1,900 people per year die in traffic, according to Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics. The ministry said electrics operating at low speeds represented a distinct challenge for blind people who “rely on audible signals when navigating in the vicinity of traffic.”.Electric Mobility Canada CEO Daniel Breton said he learned about the proposal when contacted by Blacklock’s Reporter in 2021. .“I wasn’t aware of this,” said Breton. .“They didn’t talk to us.”.Breton said a larger issue was distracted walkers. .“Do you know what the problem is?” he said. .“The issue is people who are walking along the street looking at their smartphones.”.The Swiss government announced on December 2 it was banning electric cars for non-essential travel if the country's energy runs out this winter. .READ MORE: Switzerland looks to ban electric cars to conserve energy this winter.An emergency plan has been drawn up to reduce consumption of electric power should the country be hit with blackouts due to the energy crisis. .Other crisis measures the Swiss government has taken include reducing store hours by up to two hours per day, heating systems in nightclubs being shut off, and temperature limits in buildings.
