- An optional speaker system will give the Prius an audible humming sound.
- The point is to alert pedestrians when the car is operating in electric-only mode.
- Initially, Toyota will only offer this feature in Japan.
TOKYO — The Toyota Prius is ubiquitous on roads around the world, but it and other hybrids have been criticized for being too quiet — potentially posing a danger to pedestrians, especially blind people, who don't hear its approach. Now Toyota is offering a "humming" speaker system as an option for the Japanese-market third-generation Prius.
The speaker system whirs, making "a synthesized sound of an electric motor," while the Prius is operating in electric-only mode. The noise level doesn't exceed that of an internal-combustion vehicle, Toyota says. It can be turned on and off with a switch.
The option will be priced at just under the equivalent of $150 in Japan, plus installation, and goes on sale August 30. Toyota is considering making it available in other markets, including the U.S. The automaker says it will also add this feature to other hybrid and electric vehicles in the future.
Source: Inside Line
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