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 might be introduced in an electric vehicle model this year, with speculation suggesting it could be the fully electric Range Rover.

Auto manufacturers worldwide continuously seek methods to boost the driving range of electric cars. Established approaches include high-density battery packs, energy-efficient engines, and sleek aerodynamics. Nonetheless, an innovative UK-based firm asserts that they have devised a fresh, unconventional method that could extend the travel distance of your EV significantly.

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 about offering a 90% reduction in weight, consuming 90% less energy, and achieving full 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 scheduled to appear in a production car later this year. Rumors suggest they might debut in an upcoming fully electric Range Rover model as reported by the media outlet.

Warwick Acoustics explains in a blog Electrostatic speakers produce sound through a very thin, electrically charged membrane positioned between two metallic plates. An audio signal generates an electrostatic field which causes this diaphragm to move, thus generating sound waves. In theory, they promise superior clarity along with reduced distortion levels.

In contrast, conventional speakers employ coils and magnetic fields to produce sound. 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 restrictions concerning 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 without experiencing abrupt changes as their head moves."

This feature can establish individual "privacy zones" for each occupant without causing audio interference. Thus, if the driver needs to take a call, rear passengers can keep listening to their music undisturbed. Consequently, people inside the vehicle shouldn't have conflicts regarding musical preferences or sound volume settings.

Auto manufacturers have been intensely concentrating on enhancing electric vehicles' efficiency through the elimination of non-essential components, minimizing part count, employing mega-sized casting for significant sections of the chassis, and adopting a simplified production method akin to what Tesla has pioneered, with an aim to boost both range and performance. Additionally, innovative approaches from component makers are beginning to emerge. However, you can be confident that beloved audio systems will continue to feature prominently in these designs.

In spite of this, should the electrostatic speakers indeed be incorporated 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, among others, in delivering high-quality sound.

Got a tip? Reach out to the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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