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Jul 28, 2008

Hybrid and electric cars may be less harmful to ecosystems than those that guzzle gas, but their silence can pose a danger to pedestrians with limited vision and hearing, as well to children and pets.

Enhanced Vehicle Acoustics is engineering systems to make electrified cars noisier. Speakers on the outside of a car mimic the hums and chugs of vehicles with internal combustion engines. Alternate approaches made by other parties largely focus on beeps, whistles, or animal noises.

The Santa Clara, Calif., start-up sells beta aftermarket kits for the Toyota Prius at $300 or less. It has angel funding and support from the nonprofit National Federation of the Blind and is working with the Department of Energy and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Enhanced Vehicle Acoustics is among 44 finalists in the California Clean Tech Open 2008 "start-up in a box" competition

Credit: James Martin/CNET News