Electric Vehicles and their Sound Systems
The move to electric engine technology in response to climate change is pushing the automobile industry into its most significant phase of transformation in decades. Over half of all vehicle sales worldwide and more than a third of fleets are expected to be electric by 2040.
As the electric vehicle industry expands, buyers do not want to sacrifice the features and perks they have grown to appreciate. It is a conundrum for manufacturers who are under ever-growing pressure to boost the economy but still face demand from consumers for premium in-vehicle customisation and entertainment amenities.
We now take vehicle radios for granted, but in the 1970s and 1980s, radios were still an option in many new automobiles. It is now commonly regarded as a means to improve travel, decrease stress, and even influence which vehicle is purchased.
While diverse components including speakers, amps, head units, and subs may all help you achieve outstanding results, the installation should be done properly to ensure safety and quality. At Cambridge Car Audio, we take pride in ensuring that your vehicle will be properly maintained with the utmost skill and high-quality products.
Wiring is one aspect of the method that many people overlook; however, at Cambridge Car Audio, we take this very seriously because it may affect the sound quality and general safety of the infotainment systems. We also employ high-quality wiring, which includes high-quality power, signal, and speaker cables of the appropriate gauge to support the sound system.
Frequently asked questions about electric car audio
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The simple answer is yes. However, this would only happen if the sound system replacement is done incorrectly and without understanding how the battery operates, how to connect the sound without adversely impacting the entire power system.
As a result, any improvements to the vehicle audio in EVs should be performed by a professional who knows the importance of having the suitable system in the EV as well as how to make all connections properly. When you upgrade your sound system in your electric car here at Cambridge Car Audio, you are guaranteed a skilled installation and high-quality materials.
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An amplifier is essential since it improves sound output; thus, installing it and matching it with the newly fitted speakers in your electric car is recommended. Whether you prefer gentle or loud sound, an amplifier will perform wonders by introducing more power and bringing the music system to life. We have an array of amplifiers here at Cambridge Car Audio that are suitable for any budget.
An amplifier boosts the sound system, boosting the intelligibility and clarity of your music while blocking out road noise. Furthermore, adding an amplifier to the improved speakers will boost the system's headroom, which will aid in avoiding distortion while allowing you to perform unexpected blasts with ease and power.
An amplifier will be important, particularly if you choose a subwoofer, especially given that bass sound waves may take up much of the air space, which means more strength will help propagate.
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Here at Cambridge Car Audio, we will never beat around the bush. Honestly, we do not recommend someone independently installing anything extra onto their electric car. It needs to be done by professionals with the knowledge and expertise needed for these electric vehicles. Mainly because electric car technology is incredibly complex and we would not want anything happening to your pride and joy. We take pride in our professionalism and knowledge in car audio systems.
The type of battery used in the vehicle may also play a factor in determining what sort of amplifier or other electronics should be incorporated into the system. In general, operating an electric vehicle needs far more electricity than operating an amplifier.
Tesla Sound System Upgrades
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The 15-inch monitor in the centre of the dash serves as the vehicle's focal point. The tuner is included within the computer module on the passenger side of the dashboard.
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The Tesla was developed and produced in part by sound engineers who previously worked at Bang & Olufsen. Like all plug-in electric vehicles, the Tesla is a complex vehicle with very sensitive electronics. Even though this is true, we at Cambridge Car Audio will happily help you improve your sound with a new audio system.
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Given the lack of a subwoofer in the entry-level Tesla audio system, it's not surprising that the sub-bass tones are cut short, with rumbles not coming over as clearly as we'd like. A similar argument can be told for its soundstage. Again, due to the quality and power of audio drivers present (or active) in the vehicle, the width and depth of the cabin are reduced, both at the front and back.
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Tesla's battery lifespan is regarded as among the finest for maintaining both range and any electronics fitted in the vehicle. The standard sound system can be upgraded with Cambridge Car Audio. Some customers feel like they should upgrade the system through Tesla. Although, the change is not as noticeable as you would imagine it would be. When upgrading the audio with Cambridge Car Audio, we guarantee you will notice the difference in sound quality.
Polestar Sound System Upgrades
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Polestar delivers a novel approach on many audio features that add to its premium package. Polestar has attempted to provide digital sound experts the opportunity to create a distinct soundtrack for the vehicle.
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The sound is far from premium. Low volume levels are problematic, the sound is quite 'boxy' and at times just not clear. The situation is significantly worse toward the back, and fading control is still lacking. Turning up the level helps with clarity, but this is a kind of a shortcut that is not always appropriate.
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The basic audio system is often rather underwhelming. You might have anticipated better given the vehicle's asking price. Here at Cambridge Car Audio, we guarantee a clear and crisp sound for you.
Volkswagen ID.3 Sound System Upgrades
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The 4+1 speaker system inexplicably lacks back speakers in its acoustic layout. Instead, the '+1' naming structure includes a tweeter within each of the A-pillars, full-range drivers within each of the front doors, and a centre speaker. To use the speaker cutouts situated within the rear doors, you must have the ID.3 Tech or higher with the 6+1 arrangement. It's also interesting that none of the trim levels contain a subwoofer.
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As a consequence, listening to bass-heavy songs that require low-end rumbling to achieve their entire potential fail to shine on Volkswagen's audio system. The bottom-end is muffled and doesn't rumble as deep as some systems with a dedicated subwoofer in the boot.
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The soundstage, unsurprisingly, is the weakest link, on the 4+1 system; without the back speakers, music seems unidirectional - all you hear comes from the front of the cabin. This is most noticeable when seated in the rear, when the sound is muffled and restricted.
Volkswagen ID.4 Sound System Upgrades
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When it comes to its audio layout, the ID.4 features four speakers at the front of the cabin and two at the rear. In fact, unlike the ID.3, it has rear speakers. However, like its smaller counterpart, the ID.4 lacks a subwoofer.
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The ID.4 is Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV. It follows on from the ID.3 hatchback, where it has many characteristics to its smaller predecessor. Given the system’s emphasis on the mid-bass frequency band, its mids are recessed. The artist’s voices are pushed back in songs that require the mid-bass frequencies to be enhanced.
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Unsurprisingly, this has an impact on the lower-end frequencies, namely the system's ability to offer a strong sub-bass response. Here at Cambridge Car Audio, we have noted a lack of extension across the lower frequency range while experimenting with low bass sounds over the vehicle's six speakers.
Hyundai Ioniq Sound System Upgrades
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When it comes to its audio arrangement, the standard edition connect and premium trims only feature four speakers - one in each door. The Bose system, on the other hand, adds three more speakers in the front of the cabin and a subwoofer, for a total of eight speakers.
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Despite the presence of a subwoofer, we at Cambridge Car Audio found the Ioniq 5's low-end extension to be very muffled. Sub-bass tones, for example, are trimmed short with a tail off about 40Hz. If you enjoy deep low-end rumbling, you'll want more.
Similarly, the Ioniq 5's mid-bass tones aren't as polished. The Bose system once again falls short of expectations. Surprisingly, the bass is not just a little unsteady, but also a little excessive.
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Since Bose is an American audio company, we at Cambridge Car Audio had high hopes for Hyundai's collaboration with them. The system falls short in several aspects and is absolutely outclassed when compared to its competitors. Those expecting audiophile-quality sound reproduction will be disappointed.
Porsche Taycan Sound System Upgrades
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There are 14 speakers in total in the Bose audio system of the Porsche Taycan, two in each of the four doors, three in the dashboard, two in the back parcel shelf, and a subwoofer in the trunk.
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It's easy to assume that the 'Treble' equaliser option can assist in bringing up the underemphasized mids, however this setting really affects both the mids and highs. After more notches are added to the mentioned setting, the latter frequency becomes unpleasant and microphonic.
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Given Bose's history in this area of consumer products, it is somewhat shocking that the mids are concealed and pushed back. It leaves a lot to be desired because neither the male nor the female vocals in songs are pushed to the forefront and because it is impossible to independently equalise the mids. We at Cambridge Car Audio discovered that the Burmester system lacked subtlety in the mid-range tones as well.
You'd think the Bose system would be able to create an engaging and immersive soundscape given that there are 13 drivers within the cabin—remember, the 14th being the subwoofer. Unfortunately, it fails, much like the Burmester system. The listening experience is further diminished by the music's lacklustre instrument separation, which creates a closed, unidirectional sound.
MG4 Sound System Upgrades
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In terms of audio, the MG4 EV's SE and SE Long Range models each have four speakers, while the Trophy Long Range features six speakers and Arkamys' 3D sound processing.
In terms of its audio setup, the standard edition and standard edition long range trims include four audio drivers at the front, 170mm midrange speakers within each door, and 35mm tweeters inside the space between the windscreen and bonnet. In fact, the standard edition trims do not include rear speakers, which we at Cambridge Car Audio find to be a strange choice. If you want rear drivers, you should consider getting an audio upgrade with us at Cambridge Car Audio.
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Sadly, the mid-range reproduction falls short; it is pushed back and covered. You might be tempted to completely equalise the lower mids, but doing so will reduce the system's accuracy.
The MG4 electric engine has received significant criticism for its sluggish entertainment system; it requires an upgrade or, even better, a redesign. Even with the "Virtual Subwoofer" option turned on, the SUV's lower frequencies cannot produce a realistic sound. At Cambridge Car Audio, we actually felt that the decision overemphasised the mid-bass tones and diminished the already subdued mids. The audio system just doesn't lead into the lowest tiers of the frequency spectrum, cutting off the sub-bass extension.
Audi E-Tron Sound System Upgrades
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There are sixteen speakers spread out around the cabin with the B&O system. There are four loudspeakers in the front: three in the dashboard, one in each of the A-pillars, and two more in each of the front doors. There are three loudspeakers in the rear: two in each of the rear doors, one in each of the D-pillars, and a subwoofer built into the trunk.
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Vocals sound drowned out since the mid range is pushed back, recessed, and not at the forefront of the Audi audio delivery. The voices of the performers start to get lost in the lower tones.
The e-tron's sound system, however, falls short in both width and depth, making them less ideal. Despite the large number of audio drivers in the vehicle, they fall short of giving music a feeling of openness; instead, they make it sound a little confined.
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You might be tempted to quickly increase the "Treble" equaliser through the infotainment system, but doing so would also change the highs, which are already zingy. Once again, it is frustrating to find that the mids and highs are both sent to the same equaliser control.
Ford Mustang Mach E Sound System Upgrades
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There are 10 audio drivers with a total output of 560 Watts in the Bang & Olufsen audio system. There is an 80mm midrange driver in the centre of the dashboard, two 25mm tweeters in the trim around the dashboard, two more in the back doors, four 160mm mid woofers, and a 6x9′′ subwoofer.
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The absence of a subwoofer results in shortened sub-bass frequencies and low bass extension. Vocals in the mid-range are a touch more muffled and less expressive than you might anticipate.
The considerably smaller soundstage that results from having fewer audio drivers within the cabin is the main disadvantage. The overall width and depth sound a little shallow; there isn't much airiness or spaciousness to the music.
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The basic audio system is often rather underwhelming. You might have anticipated better given the vehicle's asking price. Here at Cambridge Car Audio, we guarantee a clear and crisp sound for you.
