Approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles for ECE R138 Reduced Audibility (QRTV)

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of ECE R138 standard. The ECE R138 test regulation applies to electric vehicles of categories M and N, which can move in normal mode, in reverse or at least one forward gear, without starting an internal combustion engine in terms of audibility. Approval of a vehicle means acknowledgment of a vehicle type with respect to sound.

Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) means a component or group of components installed in vehicles whose primary purpose is to fulfill the requirements of this directive. R138 applies to all electric and hybrid vehicles in the M & N1 category, which can circulate normally and forward with engine speed selection and do not have internal combustion engine combustion.

AVAS is a sound that can indicate the presence of an electric or hybrid vehicle operating at 0 to 20 km/h (12,5 mph). This sound can reach 56 to 75 decibels. It should vary between 0 and 20 km/h (12,5 mph) depending on the vehicle's acceleration. Above 20 km/h, AVAS is not mandatory as we can hear smooth rolling noises.

Each approved type will be given an approval number. Its first two digits (currently corresponding to the 00 series changes) will indicate the series of changes that contain the most recent major technical changes to the Regulation at the time the approval was issued. Notification of the approval or extension or refusal of a vehicle type in accordance with this regulation, or the withdrawal of approval or the definitive discontinuation of production, shall be communicated to the parties to the agreement implementing this regulation by means of a model-appropriate form.

The sound emitted by the type of vehicle submitted for approval shall be measured by the methods described in Annex 3 to this Regulation. The speed range for starting is greater than 0 km/h and up to 20 km/h. If the vehicle not equipped with AVAS meets the general levels specified with a margin of +3 dB(A), the one-third octave bands and frequency shift specification do not apply.

EUROLAB laboratory, with its professional engineer staff, provides the best service to you, our suppliers and manufacturers, with 138 years of experience, within the scope of the approval of silent road transport vehicles regarding ECE R25 reduced audibility (QRTV). Do not hesitate to contact our organization EUROLAB for all your automotive testing and service requests.