The speakers can apparently boost EV range and provide “personal bubbles” for each passenger with “virtual headphones.”

• A British audio speaker company claims its in-vehicle sound technology can boost range for electric vehicles with lighter weight and less energy consumption.
• Apparently, "electrostatic speakers" can generate "personal bubbles" within the cabin, reducing noise interference.
• Reports indicate that they are set to make their first appearance in an electric vehicle this year, with speculation pointing towards the possibility of it being the fully electric Range Rover.

Car manufacturers worldwide continually seek methods to extend the driving range of electric vehicles. Established approaches include using high-density battery packs, energy-efficient engines, and streamlined body designs. Nonetheless, an innovative British firm asserts it has developed a fresh, unconventional approach that could enhance the distance your EV can travel.

Uh, that solution would be energy-efficient speakers.

British firm Warwick Acoustics claims that its sound technology can enhance the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 20 miles more than conventional audio systems. This extended range is due to the use of lightweight "electrostatic speakers," The Independent Initially reported on Thursday, they have incorporated these speakers into a prototype. Polestar 2 , boasting a claimed reduction in weight by 90%, consuming up to 90% less energy, and offering complete recyclability. Of course, these figures could vary based on factors such as battery size and overall vehicle weight.

It is said that the speakers are extremely slim, making their packaging straightforward and efficient. According to the company, these speakers are set to make their first appearance in a production car this year. Rumors suggest they might feature in the upcoming fully electric Range Rover as reported by the media outlet.

Warwick Acoustics explains in a blog Electrostatic speakers produce sound through an electrically charged, extremely thin membrane positioned between two metallic plates. Once an audio signal is applied, it generates an electrostatic field that causes the diaphragm to move, thus generating sound waves. In theory, this method promises superior clarity along with reduced distortion levels.

In contrast, conventional speakers employ coils and magnetic fields for producing sound. However, the company claims these components possess excessive weight and numerous movable elements, leading to distortions.

According to the company, when conventional speakers are mounted in a headrest, they face constraints related to frequency ranges and coverage areas. "An electrostatic speaker allows for shaping the diaphragm across the whole surface of the headrest," enabling each occupant to experience "a precisely calibrated sound field, eliminating disruptions like abrupt drops in volume as you move your head."

This can assist in forming "individual spaces" for each occupant without causing "audio interference." Therefore, should the driver need to take a call, rear passengers could keep listening to their music undisturbed. Presumably, this way, everyone inside the vehicle wouldn’t have to argue about varying musical preferences or sound volume settings.

Car manufacturers have been intensely focused on enhancing electric vehicles' efficiency by eliminating superfluous components, utilizing fewer parts overall, employing massive single-piece castings for significant sections of the chassis, and adopting a simplified production process similar to what Tesla has implemented. This is aimed at boosting both driving range and energy efficiency. However, innovative approaches from various suppliers are also emerging. Despite these changes, you can be confident that beloved audio systems will remain intact in future models.

If the electrostatic speakers indeed find their way into the electric Range Rover as has been suggested, we will definitely test them out to determine whether they can compete with top-tier brands such as Meridian, Burmester, Bose, and others in the realm of high-end audio systems.

Got a suggestion? Reach out to the writer: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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