This is the SOUND of the electric Volkswagen ID. 3

With the electric Volkswagen ID. 3 soon to start hitting UK roads, VW has revealed the sound the ID. 3 will have to make for the first time.

Although we fully understand the need to make electric cars emit a sound at low speeds to keep the visually impaired – and the terminally dozy – safer on our streets, it does seem a shame to take away one of the EV’s USPs – silent running.

But now the need for EVs to make a sound around town is enshrined in law, we’re going to get all sorts of different noises coming from EVs, and as VW want the new ID. 3 EV to be the best-selling electric car on the road, you’re going to have to get used to the nose it makes.

Now, VW has revealed the sound of the ID. 3 at DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin, and it’s a sound developed as part of a cooperation between Volkswagen Design and composer Leslie Mandoki.

The sound the cooperation has created will be delivered by an Acoustic Alerting System (AVAS) which will ensure the ID. 3 makes the appropriate noise as speeds up to a little under 20mph. And this what it sounds like:

It will be heard not just by those on the street around the car, but by occupants of the ID. 3 too, with the nose rising and falling in tone as the car’s speed changes.

VW say the multi-layered audio track expresses the speed and dynamism of the ID. 3, with Dr. Frank Walsh, VW Chief Development Officer, saying:

An electric vehicle’s sound defines its identity. The sound should be confident and likeable. It may well sound futuristic and must also impress with its unique character.

Get used to it; if VW has its way this is going to be a ubiquitous sound on our streets before long.