Assessment and Auralization of Cabin Noise from AVAS Operation in an Electric Vehicle Using a Hybrid BEM–SEA Methodology

In electric and hybrid vehicles, sound package optimization can follow a classical, proven, and structured approach for real-world loads, while also considering new transmission paths that might differ from those in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, AVAS-induced interior noise is sometimes underestimated and therefore not taken into account during the optimization process. Nevertheless, especially at very low speeds, the presence of the AVAS can be perceived as an unwanted noise inside the vehicle, potentially compromising interior comfort. In this study, a hybrid boundary element–statistical energy analysis (BEM – SEA) approach is applied to an SEA dual-motor electric vehicle demonstrator model equipped with a baseline, standard sound package to assess AVAS-induced interior noise. A standard AVAS actuator is modeled, and a BEM model is used to compute the sound pressure levels on the exterior subsystems of the vehicle. These results are then transferred to the SEA model to calculate interior noise and evaluate the AVAS audibility inside the cabin. This approach has the advantage of overcoming the limitations of SEA in simulating exterior paths, which would otherwise require creating exterior cavities, overriding certain properties of connected cavities, and modifying coupling loss factors to emulate diffraction. In addition, simple auralization of the interior noise due to AVAS is presented for different sound package configurations.