A groundbreaking new in-car speaker system, developed by the British firm Warwick Acoustics, is poised to revolutionize the efficiency of electric vehicles. Set to debut in a car later this year, the electrostatic speakers promise to significantly reduce energy consumption, potentially extending the driving range of EVs.
Warwick Acoustics claims its innovative electrostatic speaker systems can add up to 20 miles to the range of a large car equipped with a 100kWh battery, compared to a similar vehicle using conventional speakers. These lightweight, paper-thin speakers employ a technology already utilized in high-end headphones.
These speakers offer significant packaging advantages, allowing for flexible placement within a vehicle to optimize sound quality. A demonstration in a Polestar 2 development car showcased exceptional sound clarity and depth, setting a new benchmark for in-car audio experiences.
The key to the system’s efficiency lies in its reduced energy consumption. The electrostatic speakers use 90% less energy than traditional loudspeakers, and are also 90% lighter, and fully recyclable by mass. This reduction in energy draw translates directly into extended driving range, addressing a key concern for EV owners.
Warwick Acoustics CEO, Mike Grant, highlighted the growing consumer focus on real-world EV range. “As the EV market matures, consumers are more aware than ever of the variations in real-world range at different temperatures and different driving environments versus the official certification tests,” he explained. “We know from our work with multiple vehicle manufacturers that they are increasingly focussed on reducing energy consumption in ancillary systems, such as the climate control and audio systems, to minimise consumer’s need to change their driving behaviour with EVs.”
While Warwick Acoustics has yet to reveal its partner for the initial launch, rumors suggest the technology may appear first in the new all-electric Range Rover, which is slated to go on sale later this year.
