The mandate is all about those people who are close by the vehicle. Hybrids and EVs don’t make much noise at low speeds, if any, and so they pose a risk for pedestrians, especially those with limited vision, or cyclists. The Ministry of Transport reports that between 2013 and 2017, there were an estimated 19 fatalities and 991 injuries resulting from collisions between hybrids and pedestrians, and three fatalities and 523 injuries involving cyclists. A study by the U.S.
Even though EVs generate virtually no noise from their motors, they create the same level of tire noise as similarly-equipped gasoline vehicles at higher speeds. The issue is when they’re moving at low speeds through parking lots or turning at intersections, when pedestrians and cyclists won’t hear them approach unless they have noise emitters.
Now in case you haven’t been listening to the cars coming at you, hybrids and EVs sold in Canada already do make noise, because they’re made to meet the U.S. and international standards. But just to be sure, Canada now has the mandate on its books as well, and it seems to be primarily due to pressure from advocacy groups for those with impaired vision and disabilities.