Nissan says it surprised attendees at Tokyo with the introduction of “Canto,” the future sound of Nissan’s electrified vehicles.

“An important element of Nissan Intelligent Mobility is how the vehicle integrates with society, and a crucial component of that is sound,” said Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business. “‘Canto’ has been developed to help with pedestrian safety, as well as to provide a distinct Nissan sound – one that is energizing and confident, authentic to our brand and representing our unique position in the electrified marketplace.”

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“Canto” is derived from Latin for “I sing.” The sound varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating or backing up. The sound is activated at speeds of up to 20 to 30 kph, depending on marketplace requirements.

Nissan says it created “Canto” with the goal of developing an alert sound as the priority. However, it is also designed to enrich the aural environment of the typical city street with a distinct Nissan flair. The level of the sound will be clearly audible, it says, without being overly disturbing to pedestrians, residents and passengers.

Above speeds of 20mph or so, electric vehicles’ noise will be comparable with conventional vehicles due to road noise from tyre friction. However, there is an issue of safety for quieter EV powertrains at low travelling speeds.

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Hear Nissan’s ‘Canto’

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See also: FEATURE: Sounds for driving (Interview with Lotus Engineering)