An unusual phenomenon occurs whenever I visit my in-laws in inner Sydney. They reside on a moderately busy street with regular bus traffic, yet I consistently sleep more soundly there than in my regional home. Perhaps it's the gentle hum of electric buses gliding past instead of the aggressive roar of diesel engines, or the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles in this relatively affluent neighbourhood. Whatever the reason, I find myself more frequently disturbed by traffic noise back home, where EVs remain a rarity and diesel utes, ageing vehicles with modified exhausts, and booming sound systems dominate the roads.
The Contrast of Urban Soundscapes
If anything disrupts my sleep in this part of Sydney, it's typically the late-night revelry of partygoers or, precisely at 6am, the first passenger plane descending as the airport curfew lifts. This isn't to suggest Sydney isn't an incredibly loud city overall. Rather, this particular quiet enclave offers a respite, which is remarkable given its proximity to the bustling city centre. However, some much larger cities than Sydney are whisper-quiet by comparison. Tokyo stands out as a prime example.
Tokyo's Remarkable Quiet
One of the first things visitors notice in this megalopolis, home to 37 million people, is the subdued acoustic environment. Stepping out into Shinjuku early in the morning, there's barely a hint of traffic noise—just the distant rhythmic clatter of trains traversing the city's extensive rail network. Excellent public transport, stringent car ownership restrictions requiring proof of off-road parking, and compact vehicles designed for narrow streets all contribute to reducing traffic noise. Additionally, Japanese cultural norms mean car horns are used only as a last resort, further minimising sound pollution.
Beijing's Acoustic Transformation
Beijing has also made significant strides in mitigating traffic noise. China leads the world in electric vehicle adoption, with brands like BYD now surpassing Tesla in global sales. This wasn't always the case. During COVID-19 lockdowns, residents trapped in apartment blocks frequently complained about incessant traffic noise—constant horn honking, noisy exhausts, and road surfaces that amplified the din. As restrictions eased, authorities implemented strict noise compliance regulations. The rapid uptake of subsidised EVs, including cars, trucks, and buses, drove this transformation. Exhaust noise was replaced by the softer whoosh of tyres, and even that is being addressed through new sound-absorbing road surfaces. Notably, the city introduced no-honking zones—a novel concept in much of Asia. Shenzhen and Shanghai also report high noise pollution compliance rates, coinciding with their strong EV adoption.
The Australian Context and Health Implications
In Australia, EV uptake is encouraged through fringe benefits tax breaks for novated leases and government-backed loans for brands like Kia and Hyundai. Reducing vehicle emissions is integral to Australia's net-zero targets, but noise emissions remain under-discussed. Long-term exposure to traffic noise above 55 decibels increases stress and elevates the risk of depression and anxiety. Various studies link traffic noise exposure to declines in physical health. Electrifying our vehicles offers a dual dividend: cleaner air and quieter streets, both of which significantly enhance quality of life.
Broader Considerations
The shift towards quieter urban environments isn't merely about comfort—it's a public health imperative. As cities grow, managing noise pollution becomes as crucial as addressing air quality. The experiences of Tokyo and Beijing demonstrate that policy interventions, combined with technological adoption, can create more liveable cities. For Australia, embracing electric vehicles more broadly could deliver similar benefits, transforming our soundscapes while supporting environmental goals.
