Electric vehicles are the wave of the future, but their reliance on batteries means components need to be reimagined for the electric era.
Panasonic Automotive Systems is doing just that by using CES to unveil a modular audio system designed specifically for use in EVs. It promises reduced energy consumption and less weight, while still delivering a high-quality listening experience.
While speakers are traditionally mounted low on the doors, that doesn’t make much sense as our ears are closer to the roof. As a result, relocating the speakers and aiming them at occupants can give a better listening experience even when using less speakers overall.
This provides a number of benefits as less speakers and wiring means less weight and reduced costs for automakers. More importantly, tests have shown up to a 67% reduction in power consumption, which means electric vehicles can travel longer between charges.
The benefits don’t end there as the relocated speakers promise to reduce listener fatigue as well as ensure all passengers “enjoy the same great audio performance.” Furthermore, taking speakers out of the doors frees up additional space which can be used for increasing storage.
While audiophiles will likely be worried that sound quality will suffer, Panasonic said “rigorous technical testing results have shown that its unique application of bass delivery, speaker location, and sound tuning meets or exceeds performance thresholds of larger systems, delivering high-quality sound no matter where the passenger is seated.” Given this, the audio system should allow automakers and consumers to have their cake and eat it too.