One of many positives of electric vehicles (EVs) is less noise pollution. But making them too quiet enhances the danger of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. That’s all about to change when the EU acoustic vehicle alerting system (Avas) law is implemented on July 1.

The regulations state that the Avas will be activated for vehicle speeds up to 20km/h, with a minimum sound level of 56dB, equivalent to the sound level of an electric toothbrush or paper shredder...