b'Engineer Innovation | Automotive & TransportationHORIBA MIRAFigure 1: Lap simulator using SimcenterAutomotive engineering consultancy uses Amesim Simcenter testing to assess the sound quality of electric vehiclesMeasuring noise, vibration andmore noticeable to the driver and harshness passengers and affects their perception Electric vehicles represent a huge stepof auditory comfort.change in terms of measuring acoustic performance, also known as noise,Mark Burnett, technical lead for the vibration and harshness (NVH). This is anoise and vibration attribute, expands particular challenge for automotiveon this point: In a car with an IC engineers who have spent yearsengine, the harmonics increase in assessing internal combustion (IC)frequency as the vehicle accelerates. engines. As Mark Randle, NVH TeamThese harmonics provide useful Leader at HORIBA MIRA, explains: Therefeedback to the driver, but they become are specific difficulties around thea nuisance if they are too loud. An assessment of noise, vibration andelectric vehicle will also emit harmonics, harshness in electric vehicles. Whereasbut they tend to be higher orders and an internal combustion engineare often perceived as less pleasant generates obvious low-frequency noise,whines. This results in a compromise; the motor within an electric vehiclewe want to give the driver feedback, creates higher-frequency noises whichbut we do not want these whines to be are often less pleasing to the human ear.too prominent over the background At the same time, any noise comingroad and wind noise. A balance has to from the road surface or from wind isbe achieved.72'