Oscar-winning composer and the ‘Father of disco’, Giorgio Moroder, has created a soundscape for the future generation of electric vehicles that will emit a distinctive, signature sound as they drive.
In collaboration with powertrain technology company, FPT, Moroder has been working to compose a new and original sound identity for its latest powertrain. With near-silent electric vehicles posing a potential safety risk to unaware pedestrians, new regulations are being enforced for audible indicators to be used on the car while they drive.
This collaboration takes things further than just a hum or whine, which some OEMs have turned the volume up on. Moroder worked alongside FPT’s engineers and innovation team at the brand’s Research & Development Center in Arbon, Switzerland, to deliver a new type of aural experience for EVs. The goal of the project, however, was to not replicate the sound of a traditional combustion engine, so Moroder’s experience in electronic music came into play.
“The sound has to be as innovative as the engine is and has to fill the gap between the engine and the music. It’s great to know that my creation will be part of FPT Industrial brand
touch points. Talking with engineers in Arbon was a great inspiration to me and when creating the sound, I always kept their experience in my mind,” said Giorgio Moroder.
FPT Industrial and Giorgio Moroder announced their official collaboration in April 2019, which is believed to the first of its kind for the industrial powertrain sector, and will unveil to official soundscape at CES 2020 in January.
“We really want to give a voice and a soul to our engines and I am sure it will be hard to believe what we are going to hear soon. Giorgio Moroder’s creation is destined to become very familiar for millions of drivers, while giving an extraordinary contribution to driving pleasure,” stated Annalisa Stupenengo, powertrain president.
BMW similarly revealed earlier this year that is was working with Hollywood movie composer Hans Zimmer to create a sound for its electric vehicles. The final result was a sound that bore a slight resemblance to an orchestral crescendo that would grow louder as the car accelerated.
