While they are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, Hybrids like Prius aren’t exactly pedestrian friendly, especially for the blind… why you may ask? Well for the single reason that at low speeds they act as full electrics running on battery power alone making it difficult for the pedestrian to hear them while approaching.
To circumvent the problem Toyota has announced the sale of an onboard device designed to alert pedestrians and others audibly to the presence of a quiet vehicle just like a gasoline electric hybrid. The device goes on sale from August 30 and will cost 12,600 yen (approx $150) and will initially be available for Prius Gasoline Electric hybrid.
More details after the jump.
source: toyota japan
The device consists of a speaker mounted upfront which emits a synthesized sound of an electric motor when Prius is operating as an electric vehicle at speeds upto 25 km/hr. The sound is aimed at alerting pedestrians but not annoy by raising and falling its pitch relative to the vehicle’s speed hence also helping in judging the approximate distance and movement.
Toyota is planning to use this device in other gasoline electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles planned for launch.
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