The speakers can apparently boost EV range and provide “personal bubbles” for each passenger with “virtual headphones.”
- A British audio speaker company claims its in-vehicle sound technology can boost range for electric vehicles with lighter weight and less energy consumption.
- Apparently, "electrostatic speakers" can generate "personal bubbles" within the cabin, reducing noise interference.
- Reports indicate that they are set to appear in an upcoming electric vehicle later this year, with speculation pointing towards the all-electric Range Rover as a possibility.
Automakers across the globe are constantly searching for ways to increase the range of their electric vehicles. Some solutions, like high-density battery packs, efficient motors, and aerodynamic designs, are proven. However, one British company claims it has a novel, out-of-the-box solution to potentially make your EV go further.
Uh, that would be energy-efficient speakers.
British firm Warwick Acoustics claims that its sound technology can enhance the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 20 miles more than conventional audio systems. This extended range is due to the use of lightweight "electrostatic speakers," The Independent First mentioned on Thursday, they have integrated these speakers into a prototype. Polestar 2 , boasting a claimed reduction of 90% in weight, consuming 90% less energy, and achieving full recyclability. Of course, these figures could vary depending on factors such as battery size and overall vehicle weight.
Electrostatic speakers
It is said that the speakers are extremely slim, making their packaging straightforward and efficient. According to the company, these speakers are set to appear in a production car later this year. Rumors circulating suggest they might debut in an upcoming fully electric Range Rover.
Warwick Acoustics explains in a blog Electrostatic speakers produce sound through an electrically charged, extremely thin membrane positioned between two metallic plates. An audio signal generates an electrostatic field which causes this membrane to move, thereby generating sound waves. Theoretically, they are said to provide superior clarity along with reduced distortion levels.
In contrast, conventional speakers employ coils and magnetic fields to produce sound. However, the company claims these components possess excessive weight and numerous movable elements, leading to distortion.
According to the company, when conventional speakers are mounted in a headrest, they face constraints related to frequency ranges and coverage area. "An electrostatic speaker allows for shaping the diaphragm across the whole surface of the headrest," enabling each occupant to experience "a precisely calibrated sound field without experiencing abrupt changes as their position shifts."
This can assist in forming individual "sound zones" for each occupant, preventing "noise interference." Therefore, if the driver needs to take a call, rear passengers can keep listening to their music undisturbed. It also means that people inside the vehicle won't have to argue about varying musical preferences or sound volume settings.
Auto manufacturers have been intensely concentrating on enhancing electric vehicles' efficiency by eliminating superfluous elements, minimizing part counts, employing mega-sized casting for significant sections of the chassis, and adopting a streamlined production method similar to Tesla’s, with the aim of boosting both range and effectiveness. Additionally, innovative ideas from component makers are emerging. However, you can be confident that beloved audio systems will remain intact.
If the electrostatic speakers indeed find their way into the electric Range Rover as has been suggested, we will definitely review them to determine whether they can compete with high-end audio systems such as Meridian, Burmester, Bose, and others.
Got a tip? Reach out to the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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