As a supplier for Avas Automotive, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable journey and evolution of this industry. In this blog, I'll delve into the history of Avas Automotive, exploring its origins, development, and the key milestones that have shaped it into what it is today.
Origins of Avas Automotive
The concept of Avas Automotive is deeply rooted in the growing concern for pedestrian safety in the era of electric and hybrid vehicles. As these vehicles operate much quieter than their traditional internal - combustion engine counterparts, they pose a significant risk to pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments or in noisy urban environments.
The need for a system to alert pedestrians about the approaching vehicles led to the birth of the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS). This system is designed to emit artificial sounds when the vehicle is moving at low speeds (usually below 20 km/h) to mimic the sound of a conventional vehicle and make the presence of the electric or hybrid vehicle more noticeable.
The early research on AVAS began in the late 2000s. Automobile manufacturers and safety organizations started to recognize the potential danger of silent vehicles. Governments and regulatory bodies around the world also began to take notice. In Europe, for example, the European Commission introduced regulations mandating the installation of AVAS in new electric and hybrid vehicles. These regulations aimed to standardize the sound levels and characteristics of the alert systems to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
Development Phases
The Experimental Phase
In the initial years, the development of AVAS was in the experimental phase. Engineers and researchers were exploring different types of sounds and technologies to create an effective alert system. They tested various frequencies, amplitudes, and waveforms to find the most attention - grabbing yet non - annoying sound. Some early prototypes used simple beeping sounds, similar to those used in reversing vehicles. However, these sounds were often considered too harsh and lacked the naturalness that could make them easily recognizable as a vehicle approaching.
During this phase, automakers collaborated with audio engineers and acoustics experts. They conducted extensive field tests to evaluate the performance of different AVAS prototypes. These tests involved real - world scenarios, such as busy city streets, parking lots, and pedestrian crossings. The feedback from these tests was crucial in refining the design of the alert systems.
The Standardization Phase
As the technology matured, the industry moved towards standardization. Regulatory bodies around the world played a key role in this process. In addition to the European regulations, other regions like the United States and Japan also introduced their own standards for AVAS. These standards defined the minimum and maximum sound levels, the frequency range, and the sound characteristics that an AVAS should have.
For instance, the sound emitted by an AVAS should be audible from a certain distance, usually around 5 - 10 meters, depending on the vehicle's speed. It should also have a frequency range that is easily detectable by the human ear, typically between 200 Hz and 5000 Hz. Moreover, the sound should be continuous and not intermittent to provide a clear and consistent warning to pedestrians.
The standardization phase also led to the development of common testing methods and certification procedures. Automakers and AVAS suppliers had to ensure that their products met these standards before they could be installed in vehicles. This helped to improve the overall quality and reliability of AVAS in the market.
The Integration Phase
Once the standards were established, the next step was to integrate AVAS into the vehicle's design. Automakers had to find the best way to incorporate the alert system into the existing vehicle architecture without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
Many AVAS systems are now integrated with the vehicle's electrical system. They are controlled by the vehicle's onboard computer, which can adjust the sound based on the vehicle's speed, acceleration, and direction. For example, when the vehicle is accelerating, the sound of the AVAS may increase in volume and pitch to indicate the change in speed.
In addition to the technical integration, AVAS also had to be integrated into the vehicle's branding and design philosophy. Some automakers chose to create unique AVAS sounds that are associated with their brand identity. For example, a luxury automaker may use a more sophisticated and refined sound for its AVAS, while a sporty brand may opt for a more aggressive and dynamic sound.
Key Milestones
First Mandatory Installations
One of the most significant milestones in the history of Avas Automotive was the first mandatory installations of AVAS in vehicles. In 2019, in Europe, all new electric and hybrid passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were required to be equipped with AVAS. This was a major step forward in ensuring pedestrian safety and promoting the widespread adoption of the technology.
Technological Advancements
Over the years, there have been several technological advancements in AVAS. The development of digital signal processing (DSP) technology has allowed for more precise control of the sound characteristics. DSP enables the creation of complex and realistic sounds that can mimic the sound of a traditional engine more accurately.
Another important advancement is the use of external speakers. These speakers are designed to be weather - resistant and durable, and they can be installed in various locations on the vehicle, such as the front bumper or under the hood. The use of external speakers ensures that the sound is projected effectively in all directions, increasing the range and effectiveness of the alert system.
Market Expansion
As the awareness of pedestrian safety increased, the market for AVAS expanded rapidly. Not only are AVAS now standard in new electric and hybrid vehicles, but there is also a growing aftermarket for retrofit kits. These kits allow owners of older electric and hybrid vehicles to install AVAS and comply with the regulations.
The Future of Avas Automotive
Looking ahead, the future of Avas Automotive looks promising. With the continuous growth of the electric vehicle market, the demand for AVAS is expected to increase further. There are also opportunities for further innovation in the technology.
One area of potential development is the use of adaptive AVAS. These systems could adjust the sound based on the environment, such as reducing the volume in quiet residential areas or increasing it in noisy industrial areas. Another possibility is the integration of AVAS with other safety systems, such as collision avoidance systems. This could enhance the overall safety of the vehicle and provide a more comprehensive protection for pedestrians.
Why Choose Us as Your Supplier
As a supplier for Avas Automotive, we have a deep understanding of the industry's history, technology, and regulatory requirements. We offer high - quality AVAS products that meet all the international standards. Our products are designed with the latest technologies, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
We also provide excellent customer service. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you are an automaker looking to integrate AVAS into your new vehicle models or an aftermarket retailer interested in our retrofit kits, we can offer you the best solutions.
If you are interested in learning more about our Avas Automotive products or would like to start a procurement discussion, please feel free to reach out to us. We are eager to work with you and contribute to the continued success of the Avas Automotive industry.
References
- European Commission regulations on Acoustic Vehicle Alert System
- Industry reports on the development of AVAS technology
- Research papers on pedestrian safety and AVAS effectiveness
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